Between the large freighter ships docked all around it and the big box
stores and other commercial complexes that dot the corners of Columbus
and Washington, Pier 53 is the last place you would expect to find a
park. But that is exactly why the
Central Delaware Master Plan calls for
the creation of greenspace at the long-vacant pier, hoping to bring a
park to nearby property owners and spur development on nearby parcels.
This week, the
Delaware River Waterfront Corporation cut the ribbon on
Washington Avenue Green, bringing a little country to this concrete
jungle.
"This location was cited for ecological restoration and the Delaware
River Waterfront Corporation owned the land already so we could do a
project easily here," says DRWC's Master Planning Manager Sarah Thorp.
"Whereas the rest of that area, all the way down to WalMart is under
private ownership."
The new park features a bike path connected with the new Delaware River
Trail, native plantings and woodland areas to prevent stormwater runoff
and a public art project designed to mirror historic stream maps. Artist
Stacy Levy recreated the stream map using plants, creating the
appearance of the Delaware River coming ashore and turning from water to
plants, creating a perfect representation for this new park.
"Over time, these areas that have paving and asphalt, nature takes over
and weeds grow in between and the concrete starts to deteriorate," says
Thorp of the public art project. "So we deliberately drilled holes for
the plants to grow through. We really wanted to use all the materials
instead of sending them to a landfill so the concrete we cut out became
benches and pavers on the site."
Source: Sarah Thorp, DRWC
Writer: John Steele