First Northwest Trails Conference for Roxborough/ Manayunk and Lower Merion a huge success

Local experts outline planned trail

The history of our trails, in the Northwest, and resulting economic growth was spelled out on April 6, 2024, in what was a one day celebration of our trails.

In a well-attended event at the Venice Island Performance and Recreation Center from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., avid supporters were updated on our trail progress, followed by a networking session at the Manayunk Brew Pub and then a bike ride led by Chris Leswing of local trails.

Our first trail was the Manayunk section of the Schuylkill Trail System.

And the trail itself led Manayunk on an incredibly successful history of redevelopment.

This was the first presentation, by Kay Sykora of the Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy.

Reinforced by the following presentations by Chris Leswing, Lower Merion

Head of Planning, who outlined trails across the river, the links and resulting projects, like the Manayunk Bridge, in partnership with all trail partners at the table.

Gwen McCauley, ED of

MDC, outlined needs today for the trails through Manayunk, and John Carpenter reference proposed work in Roxborough.

Joe Syrnick (Roxborough/Manayunk Native) CEO and President of Schuylkill Banks, presented the major projects now underway on Schuylkill Banks and more proposed connections.

Elaine Schaefer ED of Schuylkill River Greenways discussed the projects that are ongoing up river.

When complete, the Schuylkill Canal will be 120 miles long.

Next a group of presentations outlined trail projects in planning and they include the following:

Wissahickon Gateway — Sarah Clark Stuart — Streets Dept Phila.

Ivy Ridge Trail- John Carpenter — Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy

Parkside Cynwyd Trail (City Ave to 53rd St) — Sarah Clark Stuart

Wissahickon Park — Pauline Berkowitz — Friends of the Wissahickon

Laurel Hill — Nancy Goldenberg — Laurel Hill Cemetery

Mule Bridge — Aaron Holly — Philadelphia Planning Commission

Cynwyd Spur and Cynwyd Trail to City Avenue — Chris Leswing — Lower Merion Township

The event was extremely well received and a request was made to do this on a yearly basis.

For more information visit roxboroughmanayunkconservancy.org or search for “The Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy” on Facebook.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY A pedestrian bridge crossing the lower Schuylkill is one of several upgrades underway.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY An information handout provided an overview of the extensive trail network in our neck of the woods.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Homegrown traffic control icon Joe Syrnick elicited quite a few chuckles describing the city’s plans for the lower Schuylkill.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY John Carpenter of the Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy highlighted improvements on the Wissahickon side of the river.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY The RMC’s Kay Sykora gave an enlightening overview of Manayunk history and the area’s revitalization.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY State Rep. Tarik Khan let the audience know that support for outdoor spaces is at the top of his priorities.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY MDC’s Gwen McCauley provided details on the many upgrades planned for the area adjacent to the canal.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Elaine Schaefer from Schuylkill River Greenways lauded the projects in neighboring northern counties.

PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY The Cynwyd Trail Marker would be easily recognizable to anyone ambling along the Heritage Trail.