Philadelphia pier site to become haven for recreation

    Remaking Pier 11 could serve as a model for ridding the Delaware River waterfront of other decaying structures in favor of recreational space.

    An eyesore on the Delaware River will soon become a vibrant green space. The goal is to make it a model for converting other piers into recreation spaces on the riverfront.

    The more than $6 million transformation of the former Pier 11 into the Race Street Pier will turn the rotting structure into a recreation lover’s dream. Thomas Corcoran is head of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. He said when the project is complete in the spring of next year, it will offer numerous recreational activities.

    “An incline that goes up to 14 feet so that at the edge of the pier you have spectacular views north and south and seating areas,” said Corcoran. “There will also be a lawn area where we can have small performances and a circulation path of trails for people on bikes and skates so they can do whatever they want to do.”

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    The pier was full of weeds and potholes and hadn’t been used for 40 years. Corcoran said the goal is to transform other decrepit piers along the river to offer similar recreational activities and in turn bring businesses to the riverfront to capitalize on the people using those sites.

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