The William Penn Foundation Awards $110,000 to Support Community Engagement for West Philly Waterfront

We’re excited to share that the William Penn Foundation has awarded University City District $110,000 through their Civic Initiatives priority area to fuel upcoming community engagement for our West Philly Waterfront project. This grant will be used to gather input from community members on their vision and aspirations for the new waterfront public space. To date, UCD has raised $360,000 for the West Philly Waterfront project.  Since 2000, the William Penn Foundation has invested over $4 million into University City District to support public space and workforce development initiatives.  

The Waterfront, first announced in March 2024, is a bold reimagining of the west bank of the Schuylkill River. Spanning from Chestnut to Market Streets along Schuylkill Avenue, this two-deck structure will offer stunning views of Center City and serve as a welcoming gateway to the knowledge, innovation, and rich culture of University City and throughout West Philadelphia—solidifying its role as a destination for talent and opportunity. A site for both passive and active recreation, initial conceptual drawings feature a tree-lined promenade on the upper deck and a fully accessible lower amenity deck, including a sandy beach, programmable fountain, aquatic marsh, on-site cafe , and many other fun features to explore.  

The William Penn Foundation’s investment in the West Philly Waterfront demonstrates its commitment to creating a vibrant civic landscape that fosters connection between residents and their environment. Beginning community engagement is the first step to bringing this collective vision to life.