Category run

Coming Soon … “The Circuit”

Since the 1970s, the Greater Philadelphia region has really focused on expanding its trail system for biking, jogging, etc.

The good news is that it’s been working!

Fast forward 40 years and look where things are now. Our regional trail system has become so large and diverse, that Mayor Nutter has taken the initiative to condense all of our hard work into one large, expansive trail network.

Welcome to The Circuit!

250 miles of local trail work is currently in existence, with another 50 miles being constructed as we speak. The goal of The Circuit is to have a total of 750 miles connecting many parts of the tri-state area. The best news is that the cost to do so is relatively inexpensive when compared to highway funding, and the entire project could be realized within 25 years.

What do you think about Mayor Nutter’s vision?

Philly wants to expose its “Hidden River”

Grays Ferry Crescent

 
Philadelphia has 2 major rivers that run through it and alongside it: 1) Schuylkill River (Smaller One), and 2) Delaware River (Larger One).

Almost everyone who lives in/around Philadelphia, as well as those who have visited have no doubt seen the Delaware River before; it’s impossible to miss. It’s our “business” river, it separates PA from NJ, all of our major bridges cross over it, and its very wide (almost looking like a small lake in some spots). Believe it or not, not everyone has truly seen or experienced the Schuylkill River.

The word “Schuylkill” actually holds Dutch roots and translates into “Hidden River.” Rightfully so, for being a decent size river it does have a tendency to stay hidden sometimes (unless you frequent its trails or happen to live in Northwest Philadelphia).

Schuylkill River Trail – Center City, Philadelphia

From personal experience growing up in the suburbs, but having lived in Manayunk/Roxborough for the last 10 years, I am kind of shocked that people are not familiar with the Schuylkill River, it’s actual location, and where it goes. Reason being, a good portion of this river through Philadelphia is abutted by industrial facilities owned by DuPont and Sunoco. When residents don’t have a connection to their river, it becomes less of a factor within the surrounding area.

I have blogged before about plans for the SRT biking/jogging trail expansion, as well as for economic plans to transform the Lower Schuylkill into a business/industrial hub. But this latest article focuses more on the recreational potential for the entire Lower Schuylkill District.

Click on the logo to learn more about Schuylkill Banks

Manayunk’s “Park in the Sky”

From what started out as just another great bike path to connect Philadelphia with Bala Cynwyd, it has now turned into a full-blown, well planned project.

Meetings are being held, community input is being given, and designs are being drawn up. In other words, the Manayunk Bridge Connector (which will connect the Schuylkill River Trail with the Cynwyd Heritage Trail) may end up becoming a walking/running path, bike lane, and aerial park all wrapped in one.

Let’s also not forget about the awesome views one will get from being on top of this large structure. Read on for some great details.