On November 19, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the Wolf Administration’s investment of $1 million toward the acquisition of about five acres in Philadelphia for a new public park.
“This funding helps the department support the acquisition of land for expansion of community parks, critical wildlife habitat, and for the conservation of open space and natural areas,” said Dunn. “We are happy to assist Philadelphia with acquiring this land for a new public space, because close-to-home opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are important factors in quality of life for residents, and attracting and keeping businesses.”
The grant to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation will help with the purchase of land located approximately at the intersection of Cumberland and Richmond streets in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood. Plans for the park include protecting a beloved relic of the city’s industrial past, Pier 18, commonly known as Graffiti Pier, and creating a park that celebrates its historic and cultural significance.
The grant is in addition to nine in the greater Philadelphia area for conservation of open space and natural areas supported by the Keystone Fund. Highlights of the other grants include:
- Milford Township, $275,000 for the conservation of about 87 acres of interior forest in Bucks County.
- The Conservation Fund, $1.5 million for the acquisition of about 982 acres along Springlawn Road in Elk, Franklin, and New London townships, Chester County, for addition to the White Clay Creek Preserve.
- Chester Heights Borough, $195,000 toward conservation of about 12 acres in Delaware County for a streamside park.
- Salford Township, $100,000 toward the acquisition about nine acres in Montgomery County for addition to the White’s Mill Preserve protecting critical forested habitat.
A complete list (DOC) of the 41 land acquisition grants, awarded statewide, is on the DCNR website. The $14.3 million in grants will assist with the conservation of 10,051 acres of open space and natural areas.
Learn more about DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program grants.
