Construction has begun on Harvey Street!
We have exciting news- after four years, Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is completing Phase I of the Germantown Neighborhood Connection Project, aka the Harvey Street Project, with investments that will improve park visitors’ safety and enjoyment of this section of the park.
Today we are breaking ground on this $450,000 investment which includes the addition of:
- Sidewalk and curbing
- A mid-block crosswalk
- Permanent speed cushions, installed by Philadelphia Streets Dept
- New seating at the trailhead
- A crushed stone pathway, protective boulders, native plantings, and signage at the Henry Houston Statue.
What you need to know. Construction is slated to begin today, September 3, and will necessitate a full road closure of Harvey Street, between Lincoln Drive and the SEPTA Chestnut Hill West overpass, from 7 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, for 5 to 7 weeks. Outside of business hours, the road will be open to east-bound traffic.
See the diagram in our cover photo for a visual guide to where and when the closures will be in effect.
For ongoing project updates, text GTOWN to 267-966-2207.
What’s next for Germantown? Phase II will include the construction of the park’s first All Persons Trail, a trail designed to be inclusive for visitors of all ages and physical abilities. We’re thrilled to partner with Playful Learning Landscapes to enhance the park experience with playful learning infrastructure.
Phase II also includes further improvements at the Jane Henry Foundation and the development of public art. Both of which will be informed by community feedback.
We look forward to sharing further updates and photos of our work from the Germantown Neighborhood Connection Project. This project was inspired by the Harvey Street neighbors and their vision for a more connected and welcoming trail network.
Thank you to our city partners at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department, and Philadelphia Streets Department, as well as project collaborators, Playful Learning Landscapes and the Appalachian Moutain Club.
Phase I of this project is made possible by generous funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Environmental Stewardship Fund, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, The McLean Contributionship, National Recreation and Park Association through their corporate sponsor Sensodyne, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, The Garden Club of Philadelphia, and Clean Air Council’s Feet First Philly grant program.
Phase II is supported by the William Penn Foundation.
If you’d like to be involved in projects like these, consider showing your support for our projects and programs by becoming a member, join us for a volunteer day, and stay up to date on opportunities for community engagement by subscribing to our eNewsletter.
