East Falls River Access

7/27/2019 East Falls River Access

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AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

River Access at East Falls


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THIS REPORT WAS PREPARED FOR THE EAST FALLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE SCHUYLKILLPROJECT IN THE SUMMER AND FALL OF 2006

by Brown & Keener Bressi, with assistance from Urban Engineers

ank you to the following people for their help and input:

Gina Snyder, Executive Director of the East Falls Development Corporation

Kay Sykora, Executive Director of e Schuylkill Project

Joanne Dahme, Watershed Program Manager of the Philadelphia Water Department

Mike Blundetto,Manayunk Dragon Boat Team

Gwen Cohen, Programs Manager of e Schuylkill Project


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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Initial Evaluation Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Comparative Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Preferred Access Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Preferred Site: Technical Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Appendix A: Cost Estimate - Scenario 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Appendix A: Cost Estimate - Scenario 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Appendix B: CAD Sketch, Plan View - Scenario 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Appendix B: CAD Sketch, Plan View - Scenario 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Appendix C: Early Prototype Designs and Visualizations . . . . . . . . . . . 19

TABLE OF CONTENTS

e Falls Bridge


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4 RIVER ACCESS AT EAST FALLS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

East Falls


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INTRODUCTION

East Falls is a Philadelphia riverfront community. Many residents experience the river-side

drives, Fairmount Park, and the picturesque 1894 bridge over the Schuylkill River as part

of the threshold experience of leaving and coming home each day. For runners, cyclists and

other recreational users on the Kelly Drive Trail, East Falls provides a welcoming place to pause

along the river.

While for most of the citys history the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers served as convenient

conduits for cargo, travel and trash, this particular bend in the Schuylkill has always had a special

interestan intriguing, cool place just beyond the city where an urban watercourse transitions

into to a rocky, picturesque river.

Today both rivers are much cleaner. New residential buildings, businesses, entertainment venues,

and renovated former factory buildings are making new places along the water. e latent

potential of our waterfronts is an unturned key to the citys destiny. As more and more people find

that Philadelphia is the place they want to live, to shop, to do business and to have fun, rejuvenated

interest in city living has brought profound changes to the skyline, to the neighborhoods, to

shopping streetsand most recently to the way the Philadelphias two rivers are occupied and

experienced. An ongoing study by the Planning Commission will result in consensus principles

that should apply to development along the DelawareAND will investigate strategies to connect

new civic river places to neighborhoods, elevating and stabilizing property values. It will also

broaden awareness of several fundamental truths:

1) All Philadelphians have something to gain as responsible stewards for the economic potential

of urban land near rivers.

2) We all have a shared stake in the beauty of riparian ecologies. In cities especially, people truly

cherish places to be next to nature, to see the sky, and to be near the water.

is document focuses on the upper reach of the Philadelphias other river, the Schuylkill, above

the Fairmount Dam. e future of the Philadelphias upper Schuylkill waterfront will be driven

less by the opportunity to repurpose large tracts of abandoned or underutilized land than by

identifying specific places where expanded public access can be implemented, maintained,

programmed and enjoyed. East Falls Development Corporation has been working for several

years to make the riverside more of an asset to community life and commerce. In 2004 East Falls

Reconnects proposed streetscape design, traffic changes, signage, and pedestrian improvements

to connect the community to the river. is effort takes a next step and identifies locations where

a water access structure such as a dock, a fishing platform, or a water overlook would be feasible

based on riverbed characterizes, accessibility, and navigation and cost considerations.

e projects goals are to create a River Access Facility that will:

Strengthen the integration of the Schuylkill River into the community identity at East Falls.

Allow river-related recreation, educational opportunities and activities to move further up

the river, to East Falls and beyond. Currently all activities are concentrated in the area below

East Falls to the Fairmount Dam.

Enhance economic development by integrating into East Falls other recreational,

entertainment and retail offerings.


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Trail users at East Falls

Improvements along the Schylkill River in Center City


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INTRODUCTION

e Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor, a 130-mile corridor stretching from Schuylkill County

through Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties down to Philadelphia celebrates the

outstanding cultural, recreational and historic resources along the river. In Center City the

Schuylkill Banks project has facilitated trail improvements from Locust Street up to the Art

Museum, attracting an even greater number of people to the river. An excursion vessel basedat Walnut Bridge affirms that the Schuylkill River is tour-worthy and of interest to residents and

visitors alike. Further up-river, Lower Venice Island will be transformed through a Philadelphia

Water Department initiative to create a new park, court sports, play facilities and performing arts

venue. e park is being constructed over a 15 million gallon state-of-the-art stormwater/sewer

retention facility that will eliminate overflow into the river.

East Falls is well poised to capture the enthusiasm which is apparent along the whole stretch of the

Schuylkill.

A place to really get next to and on, the rivera dock, pier, or overlookwill be a new East Falls

attraction and a memorable Fairmount Park landmark. e project will also advance the city-wide

effort to reclaim Philadelphias largely hidden Delaware and Schuylkill riverbanks.

East Falls


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Pedestrian Bridge

Church & School

Senior Housing

School

Parking Lot

Launch Site

Midvale StepsMerrick Extension Site

Twin Bridges Site


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INITIAL EVALUATION SUMMARY

e project kicked off on July 29 with a meeting and tour of the study site by the project team,

composed of Gina Snyder from East Falls Development Corporation, Kay Sykora of the Manayunk

Development Corporation, Mike Gabor from Urban Engineers, and Mark Keener with Veronica

Polo from Brown & Keener Bressi. e team inspected four potential sites where direct water

access could be provided. ese were named for easy referral, based on location.

e site furthest upriver is the Parking Lot Launch site, where boaters are currently able to put

their small cra in to the water. A parking area with approximately 10 spots allows motorists to

pull over and unload their cra. From this parking area, a trail leads through a semi-dense canopy

down a slope to a small sandy shoreline. e setting is informal and concealed from the road. It is

visually disconnected from the neighborhood, and there is no signage demarking it so those who

are not familiar with the area might not be able to find it. In addition, it has the potential to invite

undesirable activities because of its seclusion. Lastly, the steep slope down to the river is eroding

and not handicap accessible. However, it site is generally accessible to trail users, motorists and

residents, and it is already used regularly by some boaters.

Further downriver is theMerrick Extension site, a stretch of Kelly Drive with no current

connection to the river. However, because of the proposed extension of Merrick Street from inner

East Falls to Kelly Drive, a new intersection will be created with opportunities for connection

with the river. Because of the proximity to the Parking Lot Launch site, some parking would be

available nearby.

eMidvale Steps is a well-known East Falls landmark. An impressive stone stairway descends

directly from the trail to the Schuylkill River. e tiered stone seating on both sides of the steps

can be used for seating with striking views of the Twin Bridges and the railroad bridge to the south

and the Falls Bridge to the north. is location also forms the main visual connection between the

East Falls neighborhood and the water. e site is accessible to residents and trail users, but not for

motorists. e only parking currently available is in the neighborhood. Scenic vistas and proximity

to the neighborhood make this a good location for water access. However the steps and retaining

wall limit the kind of structures that could be built here.

e Twin Bridges site overlooks the river where the Twin Bridges sweep across the river and Kelly

Drive. ese imposing structures would form an interesting backdrop for water access. e site

is also accessible to residents, visitors and motorists (assuming the new parking structure under

the bridges is developed). However, the steep slope of the stone embankment makes this an

unfavorable place to install a water access structure.


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Floating dock with gangway in Richland, WA

Overlook in Milwaukee, WI


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The project team reviewed water access

projects and structures in other cities.

Waterfront projects in New York City;

Portland, Oregon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin;

Chattanooga, Tennessee; Baltimore; andRichland, Washington each include well-

designed small structures that enable access to

the water. Although some of these projects are

on a much larger scale, certain concepts are

transferable and various elements are applicable.

Below is a short summary of highlights.

Milwaukee and New York (Battery Park City)

each have interesting lookout structures along

water. Along Chattanoogas riverfront, access

ramps are a visually powerful landscape feature.Portland, Oregon and Varanasi, India provide

elegant examples of steps transitioning to the

waters edge. A floating dock in Richland,

Washington generated discussion for how

best to accommodate the changing level of

the Schuylkill. A landing in Baltimores Inner

Harbor also hosts a concessionaire, which could

serve as a model here as well.

Public art as part of landing or overlook

structures was also of interest. In Melbourne,Australia lighting solutions were integrated

in creative ways. Interpretive educational and

environmental components of Baltimores

waterfront, where native flora was displayed next

to illustrative display panels, was also of interest.

COMPARATIVE PLACES

Ramp in Chattanooga, TN

Baltimore Waterfront


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Drawing in Plan


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Brown & Keener Bressi and Urban Engineers agreed that the site with the most potential

for a water access structure was the Merrick Extension site, working in conjuction with the

Parking Lot Launch site. e chosen water access point is envisioned as a scenic docking

and launching area for human-powered cra.

e Merrick Extension site is most appealing because of the gentle grade of the land down to the

river. e relatively flat beach is well-suited to accommodate a dock. In adddition, the proposed

intersection at Merrick Extension suggests a direct connection to the neighborhood, including the

proposed new mixed-use development planned for the Rivage Site directly across Kelly Drive.

e proposed developments at the Rivage Site will likely host a supermarket and apartments. As

such, the possibility of an additional structure at the corner of Merrick Street and Kelly Drive

where a concession stand and/or coffee shop might operate should be explored. is concession

stand also could provide small-cra, bicycle, and rollerblade rentals.

e sketch on the opposite page shows the initial concept plan for East Falls Landing. On axis

with the proposed Merrick Street extension, a set of wide steps descend to the river. e break inthe tree canopy will present an attractive prospect of the sweep of the river, glimpsed from Kelly

Drive or the trail. e new dock structure is at the base of the steps. A secured platform above

beach level is connected by a hinged gangway leading to a floating dock (see Scenario 2 on page

18). A more modest approach would be to build a fishing platform 14 feet above the water and

continue the more awkward practice of launching from the muddy beach just below the parking

lot.

In addition to the steps, a gently sloping path will bring those carrying a canoe or kayak to the

waters edge. Two alternative alignments for the path were considered. e preferred (and more

direct) arrangement would start at the Parking Lot Launch. A second, less expensive, alignment

would connect to the Kelly Drive trail just downstream of the parking lot.

Along the river, just below the Parking Lot Launch, is a natural beach where people sometimes

put in canoes and kayaks. is area should be restored and landscaped to discourage activities

that cause bank erosion. e parking lot could be improved and enlarged slightly. Landscaping,

lighting, and street furniture would make the area more hospitable. For example, the dilapidated

wooden picnic benches next to the parking area should be upgraded. In the summer of 2006,

the Fairmount Park Commission moved the trail behind the lot, which represents a great

improvement.

e Fairmount Park Commission has expressed concerns about the shortage of parking in the

area. A few remedies might be considered. As mentioned previously, a modest expansion of theparking lot is possible, though space is tight. Also, an arrangement with the developers of the

Rivage site to provide shared pay parking could also be evaluated. Additionally, the Fairmount

Park Commission controls a nearby lot, between Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive, which might be

used for parking.

PREFERRED ACCESS SITE


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Rocky outcroppings are a cause of concern for larger vessels.

Kayaking event on the Schuylkill River using floating docks at Boathouse Row.


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Public art and site design features might be incorporated the project. Public art could stand on its

own or be integrated into the development itself, somehow enhancing or reflecting the intention

of the water access structure. Examples might be so, playful LED lights framing the steps down

to the water, interpretative sculptural elements, or whimsical sculptural benches near the water.

ese details would make the site memorable and give it a strong sense of identity.

Environmental considerations would also enhance the value of the site and contribute to good

stewardship of land and water. A landscaped native flora exhibit or permeable pavers in the parking

area instead of solid asphalt are examples. e new surface would help with stormwater runoff and

beautify the parking area. is effort might be coordinated with Philadelphias current Green Plan

initiative.

A last and critical consideration is wayfinding. e previous study East Falls Reconnects

proposes a wayfinding system which should in incorporated with the water access structure and

parking options. Destinations signs for both the dock and the parking area should be placed at key

locations, such as at the main intersection at Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue, and Merrick Street,

and an arrival sign at the parking lot/dock area should be considered as part of the expanded

wayfinding signage plan by Fairmount Park and the Heritage Trail.

The proposed transformations could proceed in two phases.

Phase One involves construction of the steps

down to the river from the intersection at

Merrick Street, as well as the ramp leading

down from the parking lot. At this point both

means of access would lead to a sandy beach.

Phase Two could involve the actual constructionof the dock with a platform, gangway and

floating dock. Street furniture, lighting,

landscaping could all be integrated in phase two.

It should be noted, however, that implementing

the improvements at once will have a greater

impact and give more cause for a celebratory

ribbon-cutting event.

A last note, although the Midvale Steps are

not currently a part of the main river access

recommendation, they should be cleaned,cleared of weeds, and enhanced so their

monumental civic scale and remarkable design

can be truly appreciated. is will add to the

riverfront experience at East Falls.

PREFERRED ACCESS SITE

Current Midvale steps below Falls Bridge


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East Falls Landing - perspective drawing looking south-east along the river.


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Currently the stretch of the Schuylkill River is used mostly by kayakers and rowers. Small non-

motorized cra will likely continue to be the main type of vessels in the East Falls area, even aer

water access improvements. is is due both to the rocky outcroppings in this stretch of the river,

and to Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) restrictions.

is study examined the possibility of an excursion vessel, but according to current findings,

this is unlikely. PFBC regulations prohibit the use of motors in excess of 10 horsepower from Flat

Rock Dam downstream to the Girard Avenue Bridge. Water skiing is also prohibited. ough

it is possible to petition for a change in regulation, opposition from rowing clubs might make

this unlikely. If a petition were pursued and granted, a possible location for the docking of a

commercial tour boat might be adjacent to the Midvale steps. A platform could be created next

to the top of the steps with the removal of a section of the parapet wall. A ramp would lead down

to a second platform closer to the water, where a ship could prop its gangway. A separate, more

detailed study would be needed in order to conclude true feasibility.

Any water access structures built in the study area should be developed with consideration of

of flood, ice and debris hazards. A floating dock would be particularly vulnerable, although the

vulnerability could be mitigated to some extent by providing a floating boom to deflect ice and

debris away from the dock.

Because the project is in a floodway, a range of permits and regulatory approvals would need to be

obtained from various agencies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,

the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Philadelphia

Art Commission, the Philadelphia Streets Department, and the Philadelphia Department of

Licenses and Inspections.

ADA access is an important consideration due to the costs involved. Reasonable

accommodations need to be made. Fishing platforms and boating facilities need accessiblehandicap routes; these are contemplated in the design.

PREFERRED ACCESS SITE: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS


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The time is right to make a new river access place at East Falls. More than a place for

paddlers and rowers, it is part of the overall economic rejuvenation of the neighborhood

as East Falls to continues to embrace its riverside identity. It will greatly enrich the

offerings of e Loop, Fairmount Parks remarkably popular riverside trail. It will be an exciting,

beloved feature in the welcoming new landscape envisioned for the Schuylkill River from HistoricBartrams Garden to Center City to Manayunks Venice Islandan important stop on the way to

Philadelphias River City Renaissance.

CONCLUSION

A view along the Kelly drive bike/pedestrian trail leading to East Falls.


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RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGSAPPENDIX A: COST ESTIMATES FOR WATER ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

SCENARIO 1: MINIMAL

Scheme 1 Minimal

ItemNo. Description Unit Unit Price Quantity

Unit Price xQuantity

A Major Materials & Subcontracts1 "Feature" on the Kelly Dr. walk at the Access allow 10,000$ 1 10,000$3 Lighting allow 20,000$ 1 20,000$4 Street Furniture allow 15,000$ 1 15,000$

5 Landscaping allow 25,000$ 1 25,000$

Subtotal, Major Materials & Subcontracts 70,000$

B Construction & Installation1 Mobilization, Demobilization, Erosion Control allow 15,000$ 1 15,000$2 Clear & Grub allow 6,000$ 1 6,000$

4 New 6' walkway to fixed platform lf 500$ 160 80,000$5 Modifications & additions to walkway @ dock sf 8$ 1000 8,000$6 Fixed abutment walls (gabion baskets, 3'x3'x6'), installed basket 500$ 31 15,500$7 Fill behind gabions for abutment cy 140$ 20 2,800$

8 Gabions for walkway to dock abutment, installed basket 500$ 10 5,000$9 Fixed abutment platform (concrete) 42' X 21' sf 8$ 1200 9,600$

10 Steps sf 50$ 288 14,400$11 Lighting Installation allow 30,000$ 1 30,000$

Subtotal, Construction & Installation 186,300$

Subtotal, Materials, Subcontracts, Construction & Installation 256,300$Contractor overhead & profit 20% 51,260$

Estimated Construction Cost 307,560$Design, Permitting, & Construction oversight 20% 61,512$

Project Cost 369,072$Contingency 20% 73,814$

Project Cost including Contingency 442,886$

In addition to the construction

costs outlined above, resourcesshould be reserved for

basic maintenance of themonumental steps at the base

of Midvale Avenue.


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SCENARIO 2: ENHANCED

APPENDIX A: COST ESTIMATES FOR WATER ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

ItemNo. Description Unit Unit Price Quantity

Unit Price xQuantity

A Major Materials & Subcontracts1 "Feature" on the Kelly Dr. walk at the Access allow 10,000$ 1 10,000$3 Aluminum gangway 12'x31 & floating dock 12'x38' sf 45$ 828 37,260$4 Lighting allow 20,000$ 1 20,000$5 Street Furniture allow 15,000$ 1 15,000$6 Debris Barrier lf 60$ 80 4,800$

7 Landscaping allow 30,000$ 1 30,000$Subtotal, Major Materials & Subcontracts 107,060$

B Construction & Installation1 Mobilization, Demobilization, Erosion Control allow 15,000$ 1 15,000$2 Clear & Grub allow 6,000$ 1 6,000$4 New 8' walkway @ parking area sf 8$ 2400 19,200$5 New 6' walkway to fixed platform sf 400$ 360 144,000$

6 Modifications & additions to walkway @ dock sf 8$ 1000 8,000$7 Fixed abutment walls (gabion baskets, 3'x3'x6'), installed basket 500$ 31 15,500$8 Fill behind gabions for abutment cy 140$ 20 2,800$9 Gabions for walkway to dock abutment, installed basket 500$ 10 5,000$

10 Fixed abutment platform (concrete) 42' X 21' sf 8$ 1200 9,600$11 Steps sf 50$ 288 14,400$12 Lighting Installation allow 30,000$ 1 30,000$13 Gangway & dock installation days 4,000$ 4 16,000$14 Debris barrier installation days 4,000$ 2 8,000$

Subtotal, Construction & Installation 293,500$

Subtotal, Materials, Subcontracts, Construction & Installation 400,560$Contractor overhead & profit 20% 80,112$

Estimated Construction Cost 480,672$Design, Permitting, & Construction oversight 20% 96,134$

Project Cost 576,806$

Contingency 20% 115,361$Project Cost including Contingency 692,168$

To remove the vegetation, reset the worst of the loose

stones, and re-point as required, would cost approximately$15,000.


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SCENARIO 2: ENHANCED

SCENARIO 1: MINIMAL

APPENDIX B: CAD SKETCH IN PLAN VIEW

Maintain, improve canoe/kayak

launching beach

ADA compliant sloped path

Fixed Abutment Platform

21 x 24

Steps

14 treads x 6 risers

KELLY DRIVE

Restore Riverbank

ADA compliant sloped path

Fixed Abutment Platform

21 x 60

Steps

14 treads x 6 risers

Floating ice/debris boomRamp

12 x 31

Floating Dock

w/ 8 freeboard

12 x 38

KELLY DRIVE


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APPENDI X C: EARLY PROTOTYPE DESIG NS AND VISUALI ZATIONS

Drawing in Perspective

Cross section drawing looking toward Falls Bridge

East Falls River Access

Documents

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