The orange line is the new section of the trail

Running from Wharton St., under Grays Ferry Ave., and terminating at 34th St., the Dupont Crescent is the newest section of the Schuylkill River Trail. This section is not likely to get much attention or attract many visitors in the near future mostly due to its access points being in the middle of a little-known neighborhood and off the heavily trafficked 34th St. Also, because it lacks a connection to the existing trail which ends on Locust St., no one is likely to stumble upon this attractive slice of park next to the river.

Schematic for the park

We decided to check the new park out for ourselves. While the greenery seemed a little thirsty, and some details seemed unfinished, the park was a wonderful breath of green space in the middle of what is otherwise an industrial wasteland. And while we’re at it, can we get a huzzah for SRDC for creating most of this park on what was once a polluted and unusable tract of land?

Entrance at Wharton St.

In the distance, an old rail bridge that's no longer in use

Going under Grays Ferry Ave.

Looking up at 34th St.

Looking down from 34th St.

Looking north on 34th St.

Hopefully, with this isolated section of the trail nearly complete and the South St. boardwalk project coming up, the political will and financial wherewithal will materialize to fill the trail’s gap between 34th St. and South St. Fingers crossed, Philadelphia. Toes too, while you’re at it.