Young presents funding to Fairmount Park Conservancy
Awards will strengthen FDR Park ecology and trails
Philadelphia House Delegation February 11, 2026 | 11:50 AM
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, joined leaders from the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to announce $275,000 in newly awarded state grants for improvement projects at historic FDR Park in South Philadelphia.
Funding through the CFA Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program:
- $125,000 to Fairmount Park Conservancy for the FDR Park Nature Phase Franklin 5K to connect all the landscapes in the park for cyclists and pedestrians, allowing for safer travel and exploration from the plaza to the park's natural lands and beyond.
Funding through the PA Watershed Restoration Protection Program:
- $150,000 for ecological restoration along Shedbrook Creek to bring stronger ecology, thousands of climate-resilient trees, and biodiverse native plants to FDR Park.
Photo: Erin Blewett for Fairmount Park Conservancy
Young said that she was happy to advocate for these grants to support the FDR Park Plan and develop open, green, recreational and education spaces for children and families.
“FDR Park, by design, has been a community resource for recreation and nature for over 100 years. There are immense public benefits of both, especially for children,” said Young.
“We cannot say the word ‘park’ without thinking of children, which is why we must continue creating spaces for our youth in Philadelphia. At a time when so many young people are facing challenges related to mental health and access to safe physical spaces, we must work together to support their overall well-being. These grants will help foster growth and opportunity within FDR Park for all of our young people. Together, we can accomplish so much more.”
Photo: Erin Blewett for Fairmount Park Conservancy
Tony Sorrentino, CEO of Fairmount Park Conservancy, said the impacts of the restoration projects in FDR Park are immense for access to nature, improved public health, and recreational access for children and families.
“The state investments we’re celebrating today, which are restoring these natural elements, demonstrate a renewed commitment to two of the park’s greatest strengths: accessibility and its extraordinary natural history. It’s very rare to find that combination in any city across the country, and we have it all right here at Broad and Pattison. These projects reflect our commitment to the vision for what these 348 acres will mean to Philadelphia,” Sorrentino said.
Photo: Erin Blewett for Fairmount Park Conservancy
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation commissioner Susan Slawson said the investments are already paying off with wetland restoration and the return of wildlife to the park.
“This is a step forward for FDR Park, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and the city of Philadelphia,” said Slawson.
“FDR Park is truly one of a kind, with lakes, creeks and wetlands — you won’t find another park like it anywhere else in Philadelphia. We want to ensure that Philadelphia is a premier city for everyone.”
The FDR Park Plan represents Philadelphia’s largest and most public-facing collaborative investment in climate resilience, expanding equitable and diverse access for residents across the city as the park enters its second century.