For several years, persistent flooding issues at Schuylkill River Park have plagued the popular green space, frustrating visitors and park volunteers and raising concerns regarding accessibility and long-term damage to park infrastructure. The flooding, which began in 2021, generally occurs after heavy rain and can last up to a week after a storm; although several areas of the park are prone to flooding, the most pressing concern is the pool that forms near the entrance ramp and stairs to the Schuylkill River Trail, which impedes access to the trail for people who use wheelchairs or other movement aids.

Friends of Schuylkill River Park (FSRP) board member Andy Dalzell referred to the flooding as a “de facto lake,” alluding to the longevity of the flooding and the large size of the pools that form. According to Dalzell, some children who frequent the park have begun referring to the largest flooded area as “Markward Lake” and have taken to riding bikes and scooters through the water, which has raised some concerns among parents due to potential sewage or other contamination in the floodwater.

In terms of the cause of the flooding, Dalzell stated that a “pipe going from the base of the ramp out to the river is severely clogged.” Several times over the past few years, the Water Department and Parks & Recreation Department made site visits to attempt to remedy the issue, but according to Dalzell, “they could only make minimal progress.” Due to the age of the pipe, the water pressure required to fully clear its blockage could cause severe damage to the pipe itself; Dalzell framed the issue as a “you break it, you buy it” situation and “a gray area” in terms of which department would be responsible for fully replacing the pipe if the damage worsened.

Ra’Chelle Rogers, Director of Communications for the Parks & Recreation Department, did not respond to a request for comment. Brian Rademaekers, a media representative for the Water Department, confirmed that the Department had made multiple visits to the park, but did not provide information as to any potential future actions.

Dalzell elaborated that FSRP has “[done] its best to raise money to supplement what the City can do,” but that the situation is “above and beyond what a volunteer Friends organization can do… it’s a core infrastructural piece.” He and fellow FSRP board member Dave Metz have been in contact with several legislators, such as City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s office, State Senator Nikil Saval, and at least one State representative, but so far are not aware of any concrete plans for a more permanent solution.

Metz referenced a recent occasion when Council President Johnson visited the park to commemorate the opening of a new dog area: following the event, Johnson was given a “walk-through” of the park by FSRP Treasurer Mina Mishrikey to demonstrate the extent of the flooding. Since then, the Water Department has made one follow-up visit to temporarily clear the blocked pipe, but the flooding has already resurged since that visit.

Frustrated by a perceived lack of prioritization from the City government, Dalzell and Metz have suggested several “band-aid” solutions to provide tangible results while a more permanent solution is formulated: these include extending the access ramp over the flooded area with a wood or concrete platform, or even digging a trench from the flooded area downhill to the river. However, as Dalzell jokingly mentioned, “I was a history major, so I’m not a stormwater management guy”; in other words, the actual viability of these options is unknown.