Latest News
Schuylkill River Park

Tree Planting
Saturday, November 18, 2017

Hello everyone!

Please mark your calendars for Fall planting day, Saturday Nov. 18! We'll meet at the Schuylkill River Park community garden at 25th and Spruce at 9:30 to organize into groups before heading out to plant. This time we'll be planting a record 14 trees so we can use all the help we can get!

Tree recipients - If you are able, please help with the tree planting for your property. Folks who invest effort in planting form a bond with their tree and are more likely to care for it. At a minimum, we ask that you make water available for our team with access to a spigot or buckets.

Tree planting volunteers - please rsvp to me and bring work gloves, if you have them.

Past tree recipients - Don't forget to continue watering your tree if it's less than two years old! It needs 15 to 20 gallons a week from March to November.

Know of a good spot for a new tree? Please pass along this link to the on-line application https://pg-cloud.com/phs/?openform=request-a-tree. Applications for the spring planting are due at the end of November.

I hope to see you on the 18th!

Susan

Susan Kahn

Leader, Friends of Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders

Tree Planting
Saturday, April 22, 2017

Please mark your calendars for the Spring 2017 Street Tree Planting, Saturday April 22 and RSVP if you can make it. What better way to celebrate Earth Day? Time and meeting place will be forthcoming.

We will be planting about six trees and will be doing some pit care, light pruning and mulching for our previously planted trees. If you have questions or would like to join us, please contact Susan Kahn.

If you've never lead a planting group but are interested in doing so, PHS is offering a short refresher on April 13 at 6 p.m. RSVP to Mindy Maslin and let me know if you attend so I'll know to put you in charge of a team.

Finally, the application deadline for a street tree to be planted in Fall 2017 is at the end of April. If you know of a great spot for a tree, please pass along this link to the on-line application to the property owner:

Hope to see you on April 22!

Tree Tenders, Fall 2016

Susan Kahn is the new leader of FSRP Tree Tenders. She and her husband returned to Center City six years ago after a hiatus in the suburbs She got involved in Tree Tenders after arranging to have trees planted on her block, the 1600 block of Spruce. Since then she has enjoyed learning more about urban trees and meeting like-minded people.

Susan took over for Carolyn Duffy, who moved to South Philadelphia. We would like to thank Carolyn for her service. We owe a debt of gratitude to Carolyn for her leadership and caring over the many years she served as Tree Tender leader. Our group is a devoted and strong one and our neighborhood is greener and healthier thanks to Carolyn. We will sorely miss her but hope to see her at some of our events this fall.

We have several events scheduled this fall including four pruning club events. We are partnering with South of South Street Neighborhood Association (SOSNA) and hope to hold three of these events (but have scheduled four so that we have a rain date.) The dates are: Tuesday, September 20 (evening), Saturday, Oct. 1 and 22 (mornings) and Tuesday, Oct. 25 (evening). Let Susan know if you have interest in participating and she will let you know the particulars.

Please save the date for fall planting on Saturday, November 19. We will have 11 trees to plant in our neighborhood, including 6 near the O'Connor pool and Markward tennis courts, so we'll need lots of volunteers. Let Susan know if you can join us.

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Fall Festival 2016

O’Connor Pool selected for Swim Philly! Program for 2016 Season

The O’Connor Pool, located at 26th& South Streets, has been selected by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to be part of their new Swim Philly! Program for the 2016 season.

In 2015, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation activated Francisville Pool with increased amenities, fun programming and special events for all ages, engaging and exciting the neighborhood and city around these public spaces. This summer, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is bringing Swim Philly to more neighborhood pools, including O’Connor Pool.

Some of the planned upgrades as part of the Swim Philly! Program at O’Connor Pool will include:

• Colorful poolside furniture & umbrellas to make lounging at the pool more comfortable
• Greenery, including indigenous trees & plants, arranged poolside
• A new rain shower head & privacy screen around the poolside shower
• Creative use of concrete stain on the pool deck to improve the ambience
• New programming to include Aqua Zumba and Poolside Yoga, beginning the week of July 11th.

O’Connor Pool, part of the Markward Playground, is being upgraded thanks to the generous financial support of Markward Advisory Council, Friends of Schuylkill River Park and the City of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department. Many other local organizations and neighbors lent their support to the project, including South x Schuylkill, South of South Neighborhood Association, Center City Resident’s Association, and South Street West Business Association, among others.

Information about O’Connor Pool operating hours and programming options can be found at www.markwardplayground.com or on the Markward Rec Facebook page or by calling 215-685-6593.

'Swim Philly' upgrades four public pools

Readers' Choice Award from Philly.com

Schuylkill River Park has been selected as a winner! Over 60,000 general public votes participated in the 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards and our Dog Park was selected as the favorite by the readers of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com. Thanks to all of you who voted for us!

Bow Wow Treats is coming to Schuylkill River Park

www.bowwowtreatsvt.com/

www.facebook.com/BowWowTreatsVT/info/?tab=overview

Bow Wow Treats are Homemade Jerky Treats for Dogs. Our Treats are made with Love from Locally sourced Organic Chicken and Grass-Fed Beef. Bow Wow treats originated in the mountains of Vermont. Created by dog lover and natural foods enthusiast, Nicole Del Collo. It was her personal mission to create the highest quality products to feed her own three dogs, and in realizing their love for the product, decided to start producing that same quality of food for other dog owners. Having experienced the magic of doggy ice cream at a local burger joint, she started her own recipe made out of organic dairy products. It was a big hit with the pooches and an inevitable addition to the Bow Wow Treats menu. With a desire to create a fun, fast, and convenient way to deliver the treats...THE TREAT TRIKE was born! A portable trike that delivered all of Bow Wow's Products to local dog parks and farmers markets.

Our Contribution...

Because we all know there is no greater love than the love of an animal, and it is our mission to give back to animals in need. Bow Wow Treats has pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds to local shelters in hopes that our recipe can change the lives of many animals.

Vending Process

Bow Wow Treats approached Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) in the fall of 2015 about piloting a dog treat vending service program in select PPR dog parks. After receiving the proper licenses and insurance, PPR issued a permit to Bow Treats to vend near several dog parks in 2016. PPR will evaluate the 2016 pilot program for future dog treat vending services in 2017 and beyond. Vendors interested in providing services in Philadelphia parks and recreation spaces can contact PPR’s concession manager (see contact information below). Thank you.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Markward at Schuylkill River Park Press Announcement

Please join Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, State Representative Brian Sims, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell and officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a press conference where they will announce approximately $1,000,000.00 in rehabilitation and development funding for Markward at Schuylkill River Park.

Where: Markward at Schuylkill River Park- 400 S Taney Street

When: Thursday, April 14, 2016 at @2:00pm

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Saturday, April 23, 2016

Spring Street Tree Planting

Celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree! The Friends of Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders needs volunteers to plant street trees on Saturday, April 23. Help make Center City greener and healthier. We have 12 trees to plant this Spring and we need your help.

Please mark your calenders and let me know if you can make the planting.

Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 9:30 - 12:30pm

RSVP to susan.v.kahn@gmail.com

The Best Parks in Philadelphia

An acticle from The Culture Trip

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Fall Festival 2015

We would like to say a special thank you to the businesses and individuals who so generously donated gifts to the Festival. The funds we raised at the Festival, thanks to your community spirit, help to stretch our member dollars to include some great park improvements.

Click here for more festival photos

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Fall Tree Planting
9:30am-12:30pm

FSRP Tree Tenders has at least 12 trees to plant this Fall.

Please set your calenders and let me know if you can make the planting.

Date: Saturday, November 14th
Time: 9:30 - 12:30pm
Please RSVP to cairoduffy@yahoo.com.

Graduate Hospital West Tree Tenders will also plant on this date, starting at 9am. RSVP to Tanya Seaman

This tree-planting is an effort of Plant One Million, a regional partnership program that includes our local Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). PHS is a nonprofit organization that provides administrative and technical support that enables neighborhood volunteers to plant trees throughout Philadelphia. The trees are provided at no cost to homeowners and businesses upon request. Ongoing care of each tree is expected to be handled by the homeowner. We recommend taking the Tree Tenders course if you would like to learn more about the planting and care of your tree and others in our neighborhood.

Below are some older events

Saturday, January 10, 2015
10 am to 4 pm

TREECYCLING 2015

Markward Playground, Taney St at Pine St (just west of 26th St). $5 minimum donation to raise funds for Friends of Schuylkill River Park.

June 2014

Travis Johnson and Jo Bradley work at installing new dedication bricks at the 25th and Spruce entrance to the park. For more information on dedication bricks, click here.

Help Friends of Schuylkill River Park

If you shop at amazon.com, then try shopping at smile.amazon.com (same products, same amazon, same logon) and a portion of your purchases will be donated by smile.amazon.com to support the Friends of Schuylkill River Park and Dog Run:

Direct link to support the Friends of Schuylkill River Park:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2536887

January 2014

Schuylkill River named Pennsylvania's 2014 River of the Year

Click here to read all about it.

Markward Recreation Center wins first prize for Holiday Decorations.

Competition sponsored by Visual Arts at Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.

Holiday Decorations	Markward Rec

Christmas Tree Recycling
Saturday, January 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Bring your Naked Christmas Trees - no tinsel, no ornaments - to Taney and Pine Streets. Minimum donation is $5.00. Funds raised go to support The Friends of Schuylkill River Park.

November 2013

Jared Brey on Zoning Board hearing about "underground" parking at Dranoff tower

Photos of the Fall Tree Planting

October 2013

Fall Festival - October 19, 2013

Photos of the Fall Festival

One Riverside zoning hearing rescheduled.

oneriver.us is a website prepared by neighbors concerned about the size and density of the proposed One Riverside tower.

September 2013

Tower near Schuylkill River Park wins design approval

August 2013

Inga Saffron makes suggestions for One Riverside

Glare at One Riverside won't be an issue, consultant says

Philly.com story about the meeting on the Dranoff building:

Center City Resident's Association meeting at the Lutheran Church at 2110 Chestnut Street at 7 pm to hear more about the propsed 21 story building.

A 21 story residential apartment tower with more than 160 residential units and a 1 story parking garage with 86 parking spaces is proposed for the parking lot between Schuylkill River Park's community gardens and the Locust Street grade crossing to Schuylkill Banks Park. The Board of FSRP cannot endorse a development of this size without better understanding the project's attributes and its impact on the Park-especially the Community Gardens.

A number of concerns have been raised about the development including, but not limited to:

• the scale, size, and massing, of the building
• the materials of the façade that will face the Community Garden
• the spaces programmed in the new building adjacent to the Community Garden edge of the Park

If you share in our concerns, or have your own, please do not hesitate to attend the Center City Resident's Association August 13 meeting at the Lutheran Church at 2110 Chestnut Street at 7 pm to hear more about the Development Plan.

Summer 2013

Call for new Board Members of Friends of Schuylkill River Park (FSRP)
and volunteers for the upcoming Fall Festival

The FSRP board is made up of volunteers who, like you, have jobs, families, and other responsibilities. We are avid users of the park and are committed to this wonderful green park space that enriches our neighborhood.

We are looking for like-minded volunteers, either in a formal capacity as Board Members of FSRP, or as volunteers interested in helping out. We welcome your help in the following areas:

• event planning and assistance
• fundraising
• database management
• newsletter development and writing
• tree planting
• organizing park clean ups
• dog run maintenance
• or just getting your hands dirty

Please contact us at fsrporg@gmail.com if you want to find out more about how you can pitch in and help the park.

Monday, June 24, 2013

O'Connor Pool opens 11am

Check the Markward Website for the schedule.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

LOVE Your Park Spring Cleanup @ Schuylkill River Park

Click here for a couple of pictures.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Doggie Ball 2013

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and his wife Dawn Chavous invite you to attend Doggie Ball 2013, a fund raiser for PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society).

10am - 12pm

Schuylkill River Park Dog Run and Adjacent Areas

The Schuylkill River Park Dog Runs will be dedicated to Doggie Ball 2013 from 9am - 12pm on Saturday, May 18th. The actual event runs from 10am - 12pm and all are invited to enter for a donation of $20 to PAWS during this time period. Come greet the councilman and his wife who are providing:

• Fun Games and Activities
• Agility Courses
• Puppy and Dog Treats
• Silent Auction
• Dog Gifts and Prizes
• Resource Information for Dog Owners

You can RSVP by May 15th by calling 215-686-3412. For more information or questions, contact 215-686-3412.

In the news...

Friends of Schuylkill River Park continue to make improvements to one of Philly’s most vibrant oases

Connecting people to a river park

Click here to read the article.

Schuylkill River Park's dog run a treat for pets and their people

Click here to read the article.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Runnin' on the River

Seventh Annual Runnin' on the River on Schuylkill Banks. 8:30 am for 1K Fun Run for Kids under 10 and 9:00 am for Runnin' on the River 5K.

FSRP Fall Festival

Click here for more information and photos.

Connector Bridge Opening

The connector bridge dedication and opening will take place on October 20, 2012 at 1pm in conjuction with the FSRP Fall Festival.

Ongoing

The Schuylkill River Park Permanent Dogs Runs Opened for Business on September 5, 2012

Markward Fall Programs

Pottery, clay handbuilding, and sewing classes will take place on weekday evenings starting at 6:30pm.

For more information call 215-685-6649 or email markwardrec@comcast.net

Saturday, December 11, 2010

BoConcept Arts Program
Exhibition and Reception

Please join us at 11 am to celebrate the young painters and clay artists who participated in the fall 2010 arts program.

BoConcept Philadelphia
1719 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

RSVP appreciated to fsrporg@gmail.com

All are welcome.

The BoConcept Arts Program is an arts education collaboration between the Friends of Schuylkill River Park and Markward Playground with generous funding and initiative provided by BoConcept Philadelphia. For more information or to enroll your child please contact Markward Playground at 215.685.6649.

Below are some highlighted events from 2009

December 17, 2009

The new plaque is in...

December 10, 2009

PHS Party for the Parks

Jt Christensen was nominated for our Volunteer of the Year Award

Jt has come to every cleanup. He can be found working in the park many evenings. He digs and plants and waters and prunes. He sweeps and paints. His foremost skill is taking pictures, which he does, not only for all our events, but also for events on the Schuylkill Banks and in Fitler Square. This fall, at our Festival, Jt further distinguished himself by manning the cotton candy machine and the popcorn machine simultaneously.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Rededication of the Schuylkill Veterans Memorial

The first Saturday of October, Schuylkill neighbors hold a ceremony to rededicate the memorial to veterans from the neighborhood. This year, there was a special tribute to Harry Campbell, who, until his death this year, watered and cared for the roses and other plants arount the memorial. Harry will be greatly missed in the neighborhood and we will do our best to keep up the memorial in his honor.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Runnin' on the River, the Schuylkill River Park Trail's only 5k run!

This event benefits the Schuylkill River Park Alliance's work on Completing the Schuylkill River Trail.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

On August 13th Krista and Rich Pinola hosted an event to celebrate improvements to the 25th and Delancey Park Entrance. In attendance were many neighbors, the City's Managing Director, Councilman Green, Representative Josephs, Senator Farnese's Chief of Staff, and Fairmount Park Executive Director Mark Focht. Friends of Schuylkill River Park President Peg Connor presented a plaque to Krista and Rich that will be installed at the entrance as a permanent thank you. Additionally, Peg presented a gift to Jim, the craftsman and horticulturist who performed the work that made these improvements possible. Mark Focht and Councilman Green spoke, offering their appreciation to Krista and Rich and mentioning the importance of "public private" partnerships in building and maintaining great parks in Philadelphia. As a board, the FSRP would like to express our deep appreciation to Krista and Rich for the gift of a new entrance, which has made an outstanding improvement to our park.

Senator Farnese Grant

The Friends of Schuylkill River Park would like to thank State Senator Larry Farnese for facilitating a $20,000 grant to support re-grading Taney Field and installing a heavy duty drinking fountain outside of the tennis courts. The field work will take place either in fall 2009 or at the end of the 2010 season. Our contractor will bring in 200 cubic yards of topsoil to even the field and fill in holes. Then, the field will be completely Hydroseeded – a method in which seed is mixed with shredded paper. This helps to keep the seed moist and ensure better germination. The ADA accessible drinking fountain has been ordered from our vendor and should be installed by the end of the summer, providing a much needed water source for tennis players, playground users, and basketball players.

25th and Delancey Entrance

The major entrance improvements at 25th and Delancey are almost complete. This project was initiated by the Friends of Schuylkill River Park and funded by a very generous donation from a neighborhood household. The Belgium block and iron fence are complete. Barberry, dwarf forsythia, and hosta will be installed by mid-July. Other plantings will follow throughout the summer until the entrance’s grand opening in early August.