Water Works Park and Island

The Fairmount Water Works Park Amenities and Island Enhancements projects represent the final site initiatives in a comprehensive revitalization of the Schuylkill River’s edge. The project is comprised of three main elements: the Italian Fountain Plaza, the River’s Edge and the Island. Along with the restoration of the Italian Fountain itself, improvements to the paving, planting, and seating transformed the formerly isolated and non-functioning fountain in a parking circle into an accessible, vibrant place of comfort and respite. Improvements to the River’s Edge provided new universally accessible paths throughout the entire site, including—for the first time—access to the island. A stone retaining wall used as a grade-changing device also doubles as the backdrop for a gracious series of wooden benches, and a bio-swale collects water from adjacent areas and conveys it to an infiltration garden, which retains and cleanses site stormwater while providing opportunities to educate the public on the processes involved in water conservation. A simple pedestrian bridge provides access to the island, which, with an accessible boardwalk and gathering platforms, offer a unique view to the Schuylkill’s riparian ecologies, and help reveal the diverse flora associated with the gentle changes in elevation and moisture content of the soil. Native plants create a diversified and stable plant community and increase habitat for the island’s plants and animals.  

Location
Philadelphia, PA

Owner
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Status
Completed 2018

Key Team Members
Susan Weiler, Partner-In-Charge
Greg Burrell, Associate
Marni Burns, Associate