Meet Riverfront North Partnership: a Champion in Action connecting urban residents to nature – and each other

By Gina Gallagher | Citizens Contributor

The journey began with a unique vision.

One that reimagined the decrepit and unused industrial buildings that lined northeast Philadelphia’s riverfront as a green and open canvas or “Greenway” where residents could come to gather, relax, exercise and learn.

Through the hard work of Riverfront North Partnership (RNP) that vision has come to life.

RNP is a 2023 Champion in Action and advocate for environmental sustainability. The innovative nonprofit manages an 11-mile network of public trails and parks along the Delaware River that’s transforming land, lives and the future for all.

Building paths for inclusion and enrichment for urban residents

As an organization dedicated to strengthening the communities it serves, Citizens is always looking for innovative ways to support organizations that advance social equity and create lasting change. That’s what led us to recognize RNP for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Working in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, RNP creates, activates and stewards parks and trails along the Delaware River to bring people of all backgrounds together.

But, as those who are drawn to the Greenway know, there’s much more to uncover than just beautiful scenery and open spaces. RNP also offers 200 activities and programs to enrich the lives of people of all ages, interests and backgrounds. From fishing and archery to nature walks and family fun, there’s something to do and learn for everyone.

RNP is also committed to helping youth carve out a path for a brighter future through a partnership with PowerCorpsPHL, an organization that helps disconnected young adults tackle pressing environmental challenges and develop skills that lead to meaningful work. 

Blazing a trail in environmental sustainability and stewardship

In addition to affecting the lives of residents and the future of youth, RNP is also profoundly impacting the environment, helping reduce the urban effect, erosion and storm water pollution on the Delaware River. What’s more, the organization has provided an innovative way for diverse communities to come together to understand the benefits that environmental stewardship brings to life.

A Champion planting seeds of community involvement and volunteerism

RNP will use the $35,000 in unrestricted funds from Champions in Action to create a volunteer station at Pennypack along the Delaware River – a 130-acre park in Northeast Philadelphia. There, RNP will launch an "adopt-a-tree" program that welcomes volunteers to gather water and tend to the trees. Together, volunteers will learn how to care for natural landscapes and through access to RNP’s free programs, the importance of increasing biodiversity on the Delaware River watershed.

“We are excited and grateful to create a space for all of the community volunteers who have helped to plant 1,400 trees at Pennypack on the Delaware Park,” said Stephanie Phillips, Executive Director, Riverfront North Partnership. “Our volunteers are truly Champions in Action and now, thanks to Citizens, they will have resources to assure the vibrancy and biodiversity of this park.”

Ready to champion for a better world today and for the future

Champions in Action, which celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2022, has provided more than $10 million in unrestricted funds to more than 370 deserving nonprofits like Riverfront North Partnership that’s enriching lives and helping sustain our environment for all.