On Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, Riverfront North Partnership was joined by Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Streets Department, City Councilmember Mike Driscoll, William Penn Foundation, Circuit Trails, and Bridesburg Community Action Alliance for a ceremonial groundbreaking at Robert A. Borski Jr. Park in Bridesburg.

The park is named after Congressman Robert A Borski, Jr., who was born and remains deeply rooted in Northeast Philadelphia, was on the US Transportation Committee and had the opportunity to travel to other cities in the United States to experience their riverfronts. It sparked a desire to build a bring the Northeast Philadelphia community, which has long been disconnected by industry and the I-95 corridor, back to the Delaware River through an 11-mile greenway. Through his efforts, Riverfront North Partnership has invested nearly $45 million in the design, construction, and restoration of river parks and trails, including a new K&T2 Trail segment opened in August 2023.

The Robert A. Borski Jr. Park will transform a former concrete factory into a 10-acre riverfront park with magnificent views of the Delaware River and Betsy Ross Bridge. Phase 1 construction will include a large lawn area, native meadow, nature paths, restrooms, and parking. This park is the final of a series of eight planned parks, which will complete the Riverfront North Greenway. It is an important link in the Circuit Trails, the region’s multi-use trail network of more than 375 miles of completed trails, as well as an important segment for the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile trail from Florida to Maine.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on a long-awaited park on a beautiful stretch of the Delaware River in Northeast Philadelphia,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “It’s incredible to see how the power of public private partnership can transform a former concrete factory into an incredible park where Philadelphians can recreate, relax, and explore the beauty of the riverfront.”

We want to thank everyone who helped this project come to fruition as well as all the minds behind the Groundbreaking Ceremony – it was a fantastic day of conversation, remarks, and delicious coffee and pastries from I Knead Coffee in Bridesburg. We’re so excited to see this space go from former concrete factory to a lush community hub that will foster so many opportunities for recreation and connection. Stay tuned for updates!