DCNR Joins in Dedication of New Riverfront Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary John Giordano today joined in the dedication of Lardner's Point Park, a riverfront improvement project that showcases a rebounding Delaware River to the multitude of visitors drawn to its banks.   

"When we broke ground for this park just six months ago, the initiative was hailed by anglers, bikers, hikers, and so many others," said Giordano, speaking at the dedication ceremony off Levick Street. "They included city residents and visitors alike, all of whom applauded the unified effort to provide improved access to the river."

DCNR invested $760,000 in the design and construction of the new 4.5 acre-park, located north of Center City and just south of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge in the historic Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.

"Our support of this project is a sound investment for future generations, who will continue to enjoy the renewed value of a cleaner river and more aesthetically pleasing vistas," Giordano said. "Today we celebrate not only the completion of a gateway to greater visitation and economic growth, but also to the health and social benefits gained from improved recreation. This vision hits the triple bottom line – improving environmental quality, neighborhood economic value and the community's social fabric."

Specifically, DCNR's grant supported construction of a river overlook; fishing pier; restoration of a riverbank forest area for picnicking and recreation; park furniture; and interpretive signage about trees, bird and fish species, and the history of the Lardner's Point Pump Station that has a long legacy at this site. Also, the park recreated an enlarged natural river edge with expanded tidal wetlands and aquatic, native vegetation.

"As a resident of Philadelphia, I have witnessed significant milestones in our city's riverfront improvement, along both the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, and I know firsthand that more visitors are being drawn to their shores as a result," Giordano said. "At DCNR, we are committed to facilitating these enhancements, the renewed public interest they promote, and the positive impact they have on the local economy."

Lardner's Point Park expands Philadelphia's public park system and is in line with the city's Green 2015 Plan to create 500 new acres of open space and parkland.

Lardner's Point Park will serve as a trailhead for the North Delaware Greenway, the national East Coast Greenway bike trail running along the entire Delaware Riverfront in Philadelphia, and eventually from Maine to Florida. The park also will link to the bi-state Delaware River Heritage Trail that will loop over the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge north to Trenton and south to the new park site.

Giordano commended the project's federal partners for their roles in obtaining federal funding for the project, as well as the "invaluable contributions" of the Delaware River City Corporation, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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