The FBL, a major trailhead park on the North Delaware River Greenway, is a former state boat launch transferred to the City of Philadelphia in 2015. The site is one of just three public access points to the Delaware River in Philadelphia and it attracts boaters and anglers from all over the region. A 2018 park study, completed by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) and Riverfront North Partnership (RNP), identified improvements and visitor amenities, including revenue opportunities such as concessions and event rentals, in anticipation of upcoming regional trail connections. In the 2021 Riverfront North Greenway Master Plan, nurturing the environment through restoration of land-and-water based habitats on the waterfront, along with resilient design that is flood-accommodating, is one of four high-level goals for the entire greenway, including the adjacent FBL area.

Since 2015, the FBL has been underutilized. The dock needed repair and was grounded for two seasons, forcing Philadelphia boaters to find access points in New Jersey or Bucks County. There has been a rise in disruptive behaviors like ATVs and loud parties because of the park’s inactivity, which became more pronounced during the pandemic. Because of these issues, RNP and PPR have secured state funding for a Master Site Plan of the Frankford Boat Launch.

RNP and PPP is also considering how to balance improving connectivity to the waterfront, parks, trails, and recreational uses along the river with the current and historical industrial uses of the FBL site and surrounding area. Located in Northeast Philadelphia, this area has long been a magnet for new Americans because of its affordable housing and manufacturing jobs. Despite a perception of working-class stability, however, a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article documented the rise in poverty in the area. In addition to changing demographics, the I-95 interstate, an active shipping port, and industrial plants have made the river a place of utility, not recreation. According to the DEP’s Environmental Justice Screen, the neighborhood around the FBL ranks in the 90^th percentile or above nationally for traffic proximity, superfund site proximity, and RMP proximity. It is in the 80-90% ranking in the air toxins respiratory hazard index.

RNP is requesting that ULI’s TAP evaluate existing conditions, including the recreational and oen space needs of the community, and develop climate resilience strategies to inform the Master Site Plan as it begins.

Questions for Expert Panel

• What is the current vulnerability and risks of climate change to public access?
• Are there specific design recommendations for green infrastructure and, if so, what are maintenance considerations that we should consider?
• Given the site’s history of industrial contamination, what are the limitations on the development of green infrastructure?
• Given the active recreation on site, what are recommendations for balancing these activities with green infrastructure?
• Are there examples of – or suggestions for – educational outreach regarding climate resiliency that could be integrated into the Master Plan engagement?

Professional expertise needed:

• Engineering
• Landscape Architecture
• Parks and Recreation Planning
• Climate and Environmental Planning
• Green Infrastructure and Maintenance
• Floodplain and waterfront planning and management
• Sustainable design and construction
• Community Driven Design/ Engagement, including working with multicultural communities, newly arrived immigrants and refugees, and English as second language/non-English speaking community members

Panelist Expectations

• Be available for two full days on July 19 – 20, 2023.
• Review comprehensive briefing materials provided by sponsor.
• Join one conference call in advance of TAP to for sponsor and logistic briefings.
• Actively participate in stakeholder interviews, recommendation generation, and findings presentation.
• Adherence to ULI Conflict of Interest policy and Code of Ethics.

Important Dates

• Panelist Application Deadline: May 26, 2023
• TAP Dates: July 19 – 20, 2023

More Info

• Learn more about ULI Philadelphia’s TAPs program here.