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River Access at East Falls

AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

THIS REPORT WAS PREPARED FOR THE EAST FALLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE SCHUYLKILL PROJECT IN THE SUMMER AND FALL OF 2006 by Brown & Keener Bressi, with assistance from Urban Engineers

Thank 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 The Schuylkill Project Joanne Dahme, Watershed Program Manager of the Philadelphia Water Department Mike Blundetto, Manayunk Dragon Boat Team Gwen Cohen, Programs Manager of The Schuylkill Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS 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

The Falls Bridge

RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

East Falls

RIVER ACCESS AT EAST FALLS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

INTRODUCTION

ast 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. The latent potential of our waterfronts is an unturned key to the citys destiny. As more and more people nd 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. This document focuses on the upper reach of the Philadelphias other river, the Schuylkill, above the Fairmount Dam. The 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 specic 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, trac changes, signage, and pedestrian improvements to connect the community to the river. This eort takes a next step and identies locations where a water access structure such as a dock, a shing platform, or a water overlook would be feasible based on riverbed characterizes, accessibility, and navigation and cost considerations. The 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 oerings.
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RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

Trail users at East Falls

Improvements along the Schylkill River in Center City


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RIVER ACCESS AT EAST FALLS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

INTRODUCTION

The 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 based at Walnut Bridge arms 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. The park is being constructed over a 15 million gallon state-of-the-art stormwater/sewer retention facility that will eliminate overow 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. The project will also advance the city-wide eort to reclaim Philadelphias largely hidden Delaware and Schuylkill riverbanks.

East Falls

RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

Church & School Parking Lot Launch Site Pedestrian Bridge Senior Housing

School

Merrick Extension Site

Midvale Steps

Twin Bridges Site


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RIVER ACCESS AT EAST FALLS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

INITIAL EVALUATION SUMMARY

The project kicked o 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. The team inspected four potential sites where direct water access could be provided. These were named for easy referral, based on location. The site furthest upriver is the Parking Lot Launch site, where boaters are currently able to put their small craft in to the water. A parking area with approximately 10 spots allows motorists to pull over and unload their craft. From this parking area, a trail leads through a semi-dense canopy down a slope to a small sandy shoreline. The 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 nd 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 the Merrick 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. The Midvale Steps is a well-known East Falls landmark. An impressive stone stairway descends directly from the trail to the Schuylkill River. The 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. This location also forms the main visual connection between the East Falls neighborhood and the water. The site is accessible to residents and trail users, but not for motorists. The 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. The Twin Bridges site overlooks the river where the Twin Bridges sweep across the river and Kelly Drive. These imposing structures would form an interesting backdrop for water access. The 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.

RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

Floating dock with gangway in Richland, WA

Overlook in Milwaukee, WI

RIVER ACCESS AT EAST FALLS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

COMPARATIVE PLACES

he project team reviewed water access projects and structures in other cities. Waterfront projects in New York City; Portland, Oregon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Baltimore; and Richland, Washington each include welldesigned 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 oating 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 ora was displayed next to illustrative display panels, was also of interest.
Baltimore Waterfront

Ramp in Chattanooga, TN

RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

Drawing in Plan

RIVER ACCESS AT EAST FALLS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

PREFERRED ACCESS SITE

rown & 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. The chosen water access point is envisioned as a scenic docking and launching area for human-powered craft. The Merrick Extension site is most appealing because of the gentle grade of the land down to the river. The relatively at 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. The 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 coee shop might operate should be explored. This concession stand also could provide small-craft, bicycle, and rollerblade rentals. The 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. The break in the tree canopy will present an attractive prospect of the sweep of the river, glimpsed from Kelly Drive or the trail. The 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 oating dock (see Scenario 2 on page 18). A more modest approach would be to build a shing 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. The 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. This area should be restored and landscaped to discourage activities that cause bank erosion. The 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. The 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 the parking 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.

RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

Rocky outcroppings are a cause of concern for larger vessels.

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

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PREFERRED ACCESS SITE

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 reecting the intention of the water access structure. Examples might be soft, playful LED lights framing the steps down to the water, interpretative sculptural elements, or whimsical sculptural benches near the water. These 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 ora exhibit or permeable pavers in the parking area instead of solid asphalt are examples. The new surface would help with stormwater runo and beautify the parking area. This eort might be coordinated with Philadelphias current Green Plan initiative. A last and critical consideration is waynding. The previous study East Falls Reconnects proposes a waynding 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 waynding 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 construction of the dock with a platform, gangway and oating 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. This will add to the riverfront experience at East Falls.

Current Midvale steps below Falls Bridge

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RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

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

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PREFERRED ACCESS SITE: TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Currently the stretch of the Schuylkill River is used mostly by kayakers and rowers. Small nonmotorized craft will likely continue to be the main type of vessels in the East Falls area, even after water access improvements. This is due both to the rocky outcroppings in this stretch of the river, and to Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) restrictions. This study examined the possibility of an excursion vessel, but according to current ndings, 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. Though 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 ood, ice and debris hazards. A oating dock would be particularly vulnerable, although the vulnerability could be mitigated to some extent by providing a oating boom to deect ice and debris away from the dock. Because the project is in a oodway, 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 accessible handicap routes; these are contemplated in the design.

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RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

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CONCLUSION

he 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 oerings of The 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 Historic Bartrams Garden to Center City to Manayunks Venice Islandan important stop on the way to Philadelphias River City Renaissance.

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

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

SCENARIO 1: MINIMAL
URBAN ENGINEERS, INC.
Scheme 1 Item No. Description A Major Materials & Subcontracts 1 "Feature" on the Kelly Dr. walk at the Access 3 Lighting 4 Street Furniture 5 Landscaping

ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
Unit Unit Price Quantity Unit Price x Quantity

Minimal

allow allow allow allow

$ $ $ $

10,000 20,000 15,000 25,000

1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $

10,000 20,000 15,000 25,000

Subtotal, Major Materials & Subcontracts


B Construction & Installation 1 Mobilization, Demobilization, Erosion Control 2 Clear & Grub 4 New 6' walkway to fixed platform 5 Modifications & additions to walkway @ dock 6 Fixed abutment walls (gabion baskets, 3'x3'x6'), installed 7 Fill behind gabions for abutment 8 Gabions for walkway to dock abutment, installed 9 Fixed abutment platform (concrete) 42' X 21' 10 Steps 11 Lighting Installation allow allow lf sf basket cy basket sf sf allow $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 15,000 6,000 500 8 500 140 500 8 50 30,000 1 1 160 1000 31 20 10 1200 288 1

70,000

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

15,000 6,000 80,000 8,000 15,500 2,800 5,000 9,600 14,400 30,000

Subtotal, Construction & Installation Subtotal, Materials, Subcontracts, Construction & Installation
Contractor overhead & profit

$ $
20% $

186,300 256,300
51,260

Estimated Construction Cost


Design, Permitting, & Construction oversight

$
20% $

307,560
61,512

Project Cost
Contingency

$
20% $

369,072
73,814

Project Cost including Contingency

442,886

In addition to the construction costs outlined above, resources should be reserved for basic maintenance of the monumental steps at the base of Midvale Avenue.

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APPENDIX A: COST ESTIMATES FOR WATER ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

SCENARIO 2: ENHANCED

Item No. Description A Major Materials & Subcontracts 1 "Feature" on the Kelly Dr. walk at the Access 3 Aluminum gangway 12'x31 & floating dock 12'x38' 4 Lighting 5 Street Furniture 6 Debris Barrier 7 Landscaping

Unit

Unit Price

Quantity

Unit Price x Quantity

allow sf allow allow lf allow

$ $ $ $ $ $

10,000 45 20,000 15,000 60 30,000

1 828 1 1 80

$ $ $ $ $

10,000 37,260 20,000 15,000 4,800 30,000

1 $

Subtotal, Major Materials & Subcontracts


B Construction & Installation 1 Mobilization, Demobilization, Erosion Control 2 Clear & Grub 4 New 8' walkway @ parking area 5 New 6' walkway to fixed platform 6 Modifications & additions to walkway @ dock 7 Fixed abutment walls (gabion baskets, 3'x3'x6'), installed 8 Fill behind gabions for abutment 9 Gabions for walkway to dock abutment, installed 10 Fixed abutment platform (concrete) 42' X 21' 11 Steps 12 Lighting Installation 13 Gangway & dock installation 14 Debris barrier installation allow allow sf sf sf basket cy basket sf sf allow days days $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 15,000 6,000 8 400 8 500 140 500 8 50 30,000 4,000 4,000 1 1 2400 360 1000 31 20 10 1200 288 1 4 2

107,060

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

15,000 6,000 19,200 144,000 8,000 15,500 2,800 5,000 9,600 14,400 30,000 16,000 8,000

Subtotal, Construction & Installation Subtotal, Materials, Subcontracts, Construction & Installation
Contractor overhead & profit

$ $
20% $

293,500 400,560
80,112

Estimated Construction Cost


Design, Permitting, & Construction oversight

$
20% $

480,672
96,134

Project Cost
Contingency

$
20% $

576,806
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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APPENDIX B: CAD SKETCH IN PLAN VIEW RELATED MAPS , IMAGES AND DRAWINGS

SCENARIO 1: MINIMAL

KELLY DRIVE
Steps 14 treads x 6 risers Fixed Abutment Platform 21 x 24 ADA compliant sloped path Maintain, improve canoe/kayak launching beach

SCENARIO 2: ENHANCED

KELLY DRIVE
Steps 14 treads x 6 risers Fixed Abutment Platform 21 x 60 Floating ice/debris boom ADA compliant sloped path Restore Riverbank Ramp 12 x 31 Floating Dock w/ 8 freeboard 12 x 38

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APPENDIX C: EARLY PROTOTYPE DESIGNS AND VISUALIZATIONS

Cross section drawing looking toward Falls Bridge

Drawing in Perspective

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