The project just entered its final design phase

Curbed Philly | By Melissa Romero

It’s been a long time coming, but plans to bring a 10-acre park to Bridesburg along the Delaware River just took another step forward with the news that the project has entered its final phase of design.

The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department announced this weekend that it selected firm Langan to head up the final, 15-month design phase for the 10-acre Bridesburg Park.

The news comes about two years after the master plan and design concept were first revealed to the public. At the time, the plan by Locus Partners called for an 8.2-acre park with features like a great lawn, a stage, a meadow, and big, sweeping views from the waterfront.

Much of those features will remain, according to the announcement. It’s been envisioned for mostly passive use, with terraced seating, event space, and play areas. It will eventually connect to the Port Richmond Trail and Delaware Avenue Extension to the south, and eventually the K&T Trail to the north.

For some five decades, the Bridesburg neighborhood has been largely separated from its waterfront by industry and vacant land. Bobby Henon, Philadelphia Councilman of the 6^th District, said, “The creation of this park will ‘give back’ the Delaware River to the people of Bridesburg, and when completed, will be a huge recreational asset to the community.”

The final design process will take about 15 months and construction is estimated to cost $5 to 7 million. The city and the William Penn Foundation will foot the $800,000 bill for the design phase.