Preliminary Fountain Street Steps Plan Released

Continuing updates on and along the Schuylkill River, the Philadelphia Water Department released preliminary modernization plans for the Fountain Street Steps in Manayunk.

A descending trail from Umbria and Fountain Streets to the Manayunk Canal, the steps will be updated as part of a major overhaul along the river in Manayunk funded by the water department.

Destination Schuylkill River released conceptual plans for the site in its newsletter last week. The water department said resident feedback will be included before an official plan is released.

"The design is not complete yet. We are working with (resident Blaise Syrnick) and trying to incorporate his feedback to the (best) of our ability," PWD spokesperson Joanne Dahme.

Syrnick is involved with Ivy Ridge Green and helped lead a cleanup on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January.

The conceptual designs indicate an installation of vegetative planter beds and planting areas, new masonry walls, and restored cobblestone embankments—among other aspects.

Dahme said no construction timeline yet exists.

Updates recently from Main Street through Shawmont. Further trail work is occurring north from Port Royal Avenue to the Montgomery County Line. Additionally, the water department and the Schuylkill Project are leading several projects, like a and the installation of a storm water containment , in addition to the founding of the Manayunk Performing Arts Center.

To get involved with Ivy Ridge Green, visit its website.