A River Reconnected: The Challenges and Opportunities of Public Access to the Tidal Delaware River

A River Reconnected: The Challenges and Opportunities of Public Access to the Tidal Delaware River

Product No.: 21016
Date Published: 07/2021

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Stretching from Morrisville to Marcus Hook, the coastal waterfront of Pennsylvania is a vast and dynamic system. Throughout this area, the level of public access to the waterfront varies tremendously from quiet and remote parks to urban trails visited by millions of people a year. A River Reconnected is a research study that describes in detail the historical trends, present-day projects, and future plans of this access. It also explores the barriers to access experienced throughout the region, highlights the benefits of improving and increasing access, and concludes with a series of recommendations that will help increase the quality and quantity of public access opportunities. In describing many specific details regarding public access to the Tidal Delaware, this report also serves to explore how waterfront access priorities have shifted in the past few decades toward increasing public access. Although significant obstacles remain, present-day political, planning, and development trends are increasingly aligned on the importance of public access and reconnecting the river to the communities along its banks.

Geographic Area Covered: Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone; tidal areas of the Delaware River, including tributaries like Darby Creek, the Schuylkill River, and Neshaminy Creek, Bucks County, Delaware County, Philadelphia

Key Words: Darby Creek, Delaware River, Chester Creek, Land Use, Mill Creek, Muckinipattis Creek, Neshaminy Creek, Open Space, Pennypack Creek, Poquessing Creek, Public Access, Ridley Creek, Schuylkill River, Scott’s Creek

Staff Contact(s)

Project Team

  • Stephanie Cavacini Associate Manager, Office of Creative and Print Services
  • Kimberly A. Dean Manager, Office of Creative and Print Services

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