Tacony Boat Launch at Princeton Avenue along the Delaware River Trail - Connect The Dots
17382
page-template-default,page,page-id-17382,bridge-core-2.7.9,ctct-bridge,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,qode-theme-ver-26.4,qode-theme-bridge,qode_header_in_grid,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.9,vc_responsive

Tacony Boat Launch at Princeton Avenue along the Delaware River Trail

Client:

Riverfront North Partnership (RNP), City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation (PPR)

Executive Summary:

Connect the Dots partnered with Riverfront North Partnership to lead engagement efforts for the redesign and redevelopment of the Tacony Boat Launch in Northeast Philadelphia along the Delaware River Trail. Connect the Dots developed layered engagement strategies to collect feedback from the community on needs and later proposals for the green space. The outcome of the engagement efforts was a successful redevelopment plan that connects the site to trailheads and Tacony, incorporating existing infrastructure, educational programming, and outdoor recreation.

Services Performed:

Phase 1 of the engagement process focused on information gathering through 6+ stakeholder interviews and a public survey to understand potential uses of the space, assets and challenges associated with the current Boat Launch site, concerns regarding the project, and pathways for future engagement and local community connection.

Phase 2 involved public events and pop-ups assessing design options at the site. These events, designed and delivered with nature-play nonprofit Let’s Go Outdoors took the form of:

  • Pop up tent at Fish Fest on the river, with nature-based children’s games and interactive feedback opportunities for families .

  • Storytelling pop up around a bonfire at the local Tacony Library.

  • Family fun festival at Russo Playground with goats, local food, games, and more.

Through these phases, CTD identified key stakeholders, built interest and support for the project, supported on outreach and communications, and shaped the priorities of the engagement process to fit community-centered needs.

Project Outcomes:

Engagement Outcomes

  • The engagement process involved over 500 individuals, including 365 survey responses, providing valuable input to inform the concepts and schematic design of the site..

  • The process helped to build a strong sense of community investment in the project’s development through the high level of interest and participation.

Insights and Implications

  • The insights gathered through the engagement process not only shaped the concepts and schematic design of the site, incorporating community perspectives and needs.