Reimagining Philadelphia’s Riverfront— Together

In partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy, W.A.T.E.R.S. is channeling advocacy, philanthropy, and community energy into a more welcoming future for the Schuylkill River corridor along Kelly Drive and MLK Drive.

This initiative will bring together public partners, philanthropy, community leaders, and riverfront users around a shared goal: improving the corridor in ways people can see, use, and feel every day. That means a safer, more accessible and more vibrant riverfront that welcomes more people in, tells a fuller story of Philadelphia, and reflects the pride so many already feel for this place.

Together, we are focused on practical improvements that will make the riverfront easier to use, more meaningful to experience, and more sustainable to care over time:

  • Welcoming, well-maintained spaces that make daily use more comfortable, accessible, and inviting

  • Safer conditions supported by better lighting, visibility, maintenance, and care throughout the day

  • Stronger connections to the river’s history, civic meaning, and the women whose contributions deserve greater visibility

  • New opportunities to gather, reflect, learn, engage, and build deeper community pride along the riverfront

Be a Part of What Comes Next

This effort is open, evolving, and built to grow. Whether you use the river every day, care about Philadelphia’s public spaces, or want to help honor the women who helped shape this city, W.A.T.E.R.S. invites you to be part of what comes next.

Get in Touch

“The Fairmount Park Conservancy's partnership with W.A.T.E.R.S. will ensure the protection of this river that serves as a natural, cultural and historical treasure.”

- Carol Eicher, Board Chair, Fairmount Park Conservancy

  • Public Access for All

  • Historic Continuity Across the Landscape

  • Celebrating Women in Philadelphia’s History

  • Support for the Rowing and Paddling Community

  • Safety, Dignity, and Care

  • Community-Centered Design

  • Partnership and Stewardship

  • Phased and Sustainable Investment

Our work will be guided by a set of principles rooted in access, history, safety, stewardship, and long-term care.

“Rowing can be a vehicle to a better life, and at BLJ Community Rowing, we are passionate about providing access to the elite sport of rowing by removing boundaries, creating opportunities, and fostering community.

I believe this coalition has the potential to remove many of the boundaries—both visible and invisible—that exist in and around the Schuylkill River community. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to work together to make the river more accessible, more connected, and more impactful for everyone who calls this community home.”

— Brannon Johnson, BLJ Community Rowing