Tacony Creek Park, part of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park system, is a 300-acre urban watershed park in the heart of Lower Northeast Philadelphia. The only publicly accessible stretch of our creek within the Philadelphia portion of our watershed, Tacony Creek Park is managed by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and is one of the city’s five watershed parks. This park is a critical community asset for Olney, Lawncrest, Feltonville, Juniata Park, and Frankford neighbors as well as all Philadelphia residents.
The woodlands and meadows that makeup Tacony Creek Park provide year-round habitat for over 100 species of birds and other wildlife. The 3.2 mile paved trail that runs along the creek, part of The Circuit regional trail network, provides access to the park and an opportunity for recreation, exercise and enjoyment of nature. In time, the trail will connect to the Frankford Creek Greenway and the Delaware River Trail. But from combined sewage overflows, to trash, to busy streets, there are barriers keeping the surrounding neighborhoods from fully enjoying the park. That’s why we’re gathering groups across NE Philly to work together to address the barriers keeping all people from enjoying the outdoors.
Our Northeast Philly Lead Partner:
Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF)
Since 2011, the Philadelphia Water Department has provided funding for The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF), our Lead Partner in NE Philly, to work alongside Parks & Recreation, and especially neighbors and organizations to increase park use and stewardship through programs and engagement, and bring resources and improvement to this beautiful park. TTF connects watershed residents and communities to their local creeks through hands-on education, stewardship, restoration, and advocacy. They empower their constituents to take care of and improve the impaired waterways across our 30 square miles.
From the headwaters in Abington, Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Rockledge, and Springfield in Montgomery County – to neighborhoods in North, Northeast, and Northwest Philadelphia – TTF educates neighbors and stakeholders about clean water issues and how we can all make a difference at our homes and businesses, on our trails, and in our parks and communities.
Working with the Parks & Recreation and Water departments, TTF has made an impact focusing on Tacony Creek Park, collaborating with neighbors to discover this historic urban watershed park, trail, and creek through creative engagement efforts, such as mural, oral history, photography, and music projects; improvement programs such as plantings and cleanups, and activities including regular health, nature, and history walks, and block parties. And by working with partner Riverfront North to complete and sustain the riverfront trail and network of parks along the Delaware River that connects residents of urban neighborhoods around Tacony Park, transforming once neglected post-industrial landscapes into usable community space has come to life and continues to grow.
To join our effort to make the outdoors more accessible contact: @ttf