One of Philadelphia’s most remarkable stories is the transformation of the silt-laden Schuylkill River with its trash strewn banks to the beautiful River Walk and much used river we enjoy today. John Randolph’s film and presentation explains how the Schuylkill was reclaimed from its industrial past to become a river for rowing, dragon boat racing and outrigger paddling edged by an award-winning park and trail visited by almost three-million people in 2022.

John Randolph is the Founder and past President of the Schuylkill River Development Council. In 1989, John launched a campaign to revitalize the east bank of the Schuylkill River in Center City Philadelphia. He recruited a small army of supporters, raised millions of dollars, lobbied public officials, negotiated with corporations, knocked on doors and even picked up trash. The trail opened in 2004 and the River Park is now considered one of the best urban trails in America.

This program is sponsored by Friends in the City (FitC) and Philadelphia City Institute Library.