Download a PDF Version here: [Press Release] TTF Watershed Partnership Awarded a $1.37 Million Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2024
Contact: Wendi Wu, Communications Manager
Email: wendi@ttfwatershed.org
TTF Watershed Partnership Awarded a $1.37 Million Grant to Transform Tacony Creek Park through Community Engagement, Environmental Restoration, and Key Partnerships
Philadelphia, PA [11/18/2024] — TTF Watershed Partnership (TTF) is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $1,373,750 grant from the William Penn Foundation. This substantial funding represents a critical investment in TTF’s efforts to transform Tacony Creek Park into a vibrant, sustainable community resource for residents across the watershed. This generous funding will enable TTF to advance its commitment to connecting communities with nature through impactful programming, daily maintenance, and strategic planning for park improvements.
“TTF Watershed Partnership has a strong, nearly two-decade track record of building community support for the watershed through its dynamic education, advocacy, and stewardship. We are big believers in the park community that TTF has built, and we are even more excited to see the ways the park will continue to evolve to serve as a safe, welcoming, and resilient public space for North Philadelphia communities.” – Stuart Clarke, Environment and Public Space Program Director, William Penn Foundation.
“This grant is a tremendous step forward in realizing our vision for Tacony Creek Park as a vibrant and accessible green space that serves as a hub for community connection and environmental education,” said Justin DiBerardinis, Executive Director of TTF Watershed Partnership. “It validates years of collaborative effort and provides momentum for the next phase of work—broadening leadership, deepening care, and expanding the role of this park as a sanctuary for nature and people alike.”
Merging Small Actions into Big Change
The work to restore and reimagine Tacony Creek Park is driven by the belief that meaningful change often begins with countless small, deliberate actions. Each litter pick-up, native planting, and community program contributes to something greater—a vibrant and healthier space for all.
As DiBerardinis reflected, “This grant is a surge forward—a bold step that builds on all those small actions, pooling their impact into a larger movement for change. The William Penn Foundation’s support represents not only a strategic milestone but also a shared belief in the potential of Tacony Creek Park to become a space where nature thrives, children play, and families come together to find wellness and joy.”
In 2000, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) launched TTF to connect diverse stakeholders and community residents to help develop the TTF Integrated Watershed Management Plan. In 2005, under PWD’s leadership, TTF formally incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the implementation of the Plan. “TTF’s dedicated on-the-ground work is vital to helping us realize a healthy and just future for the Tacony/Frankford Creek and Tacony Creek Park,” said Philadelphia Water Commissioner Randy E. Hayman. “Protecting and improving our region’s environment are key tenets in PWD’s mission and we recognize the critical importance of collaboration and partnership to achieve our shared goals for cleaner water and healthier environments for all.”
Project Highlights:
- Community Organizing and Programming: TTF will expand its community engagement efforts, organizing events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that empower residents to take an active role in the care and improvement of the park. TTF aims to create a lasting impact on Tacony Creek Park and its surrounding neighborhoods by strengthening community ties and fostering a culture of stewardship.
- Daily Maintenance and Restoration: With this funding, TTF will enhance its ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts in the park, continue and enhance the #CreekyCLEAN! initiative, including litter clean-ups, invasive species management, and the planting of native species to improve biodiversity. These activities will help preserve the park’s natural beauty and ecological health.
- Master Planning for Scattergood Nature Preserve and TTF Base of Operations: A major component of the grant will support the planning phase for a new park center, envisioned as a community gathering space and educational resource hub. The park center will serve as a focal point for environmental learning, recreation, and community events, making Tacony Creek Park an even more valuable resource for local residents.
A Community-Driven Vision
This grant underscores TTF’s mission to connect residents to their creeks and empower them to care for waterways, parks, and trails. The Transforming Tacony Creek Park project is a direct response to the needs and aspirations of the community, developed through years of collaboration and dialogue with local stakeholders.
Tacony Creek Park is more than just a natural space; it is a vital asset to Northeast Philadelphia and nearby communities. This project will make Tacony Creek Park safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for everyone while providing residents with meaningful ways to participate in its care.
About Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF):
TTF connects residents to their creeks and empowers them to care for their waterways, parks, and trails through education, stewardship, restoration, and advocacy. Working with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Philadelphia Water Department, TTF focuses on Tacony Creek Park, collaborating with neighbors to preserve and enhance this historic urban watershed park.
For more information on the Transforming Tacony Creek Park project, and how you can get involved, please visit https://ttfwatershed.org/ or contact us at wendi@ttfwatershed.org
About William Penn Foundation
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is committed to expanding access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for all. We do this through funding programs in the Philadelphia region in arts and culture, children and families, democracy and civic initiatives, environment and public space, and workforce training and services. Learn more at www.williampennfoundation.org.
About #CreekyCLEAN! Tacony Creek Park
#CreekyCLEAN! Tacony Park is a transformative initiative dedicated to revitalizing Tacony Creek Park. The campaign is informed by the Master Site Development Plan for Tacony Creek Park.
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Download a PDF Version here: [Press Release] TTF Watershed Partnership Awarded a $1.37 Million Grant
