Philadelphia's new Schuylkill River Park Trail

After 30 years of promises, many false starts, delays and contract disputes, Philadelphia's Schuylkill River Park Trail is finally taking shape. A new paved recreation path is now operational, connecting Center City with Kelly Drive and West River Drive; lighting is installed and landscaping is planned for the coming year.

Unfortunately, street level access to the Park is not legally provided for. Residents of Philadelphia may lose access at Race and Locust Streets to the Park's new path under the existing agreement between the City and CSX Railroad. A "security" fence installed along side of the existing CSX freight train tracks is supposed to be closed to keep us out!  CSX prefers that the only access to the Park south of the Ben Franklin Parkway is down stairs from the Walnut Street Bridge or down stairs and ramp connecting the Market and Chestnut Street Bridges; locations which make access difficult for residents in Center City.

This doesn't make sense! We need solutions that allow full public access to the Schuylkill River Park's pedestrian path at intervals along its entire length.

Currently, the City has incorporated the openings at Race and Locust Streets into the fencing.  So, we have “defacto” crossings.  However, what is needed in the short term, is for a new agreement to be reached allowing for safe and legal crossings. 

Please support our efforts to secure safe and legal access to Schuylkill River Park. Get involved by sending a letter to CSX Railroad or sign up for email updates. Currently, over 700 Park users get periodic updates from us on the progress being made toward reaching the goal of safe and legal street-level access at Race and Locust Streets.