Wetland project breaks ground at FDR Park

Another project tied to the major transformation of FDR Park in South Philly is now underway.

Driving the news: A $30 million project broke ground on Thursday to create a native coastal forested wetland on a 33-acre portion of the park.

• The project will reclaim an area of the park currently inaccessible, allowing for new public access.

Why it matters: The 12-18-month project will reduce flooding and reintroduce wetlands that are native to the site, as well as make the park more resilient to climate change.

The big picture: The groundbreaking on Thursday kicked off the first of a dozen projects dubbed the "nature phase" of the FDR Park Plan, which is a $250 million push to reimagine the 348-acre park.

• The first construction project of the FDR Park Plan began in May with the groundbreaking of the park's new welcome center.

Details: The wetland project includes:

• New trails and boardwalks
• 7,000 new trees and 1,700 new bushes and shrubs
• Rebuilding the riverbank areas next to Shedbrook Creek
• Dredging of soil to create the habitat
• The installation of two new tide gates to prevent tidal flow

Between the lines: The Philadelphia International Airport is helping fund the wetlands project as a way to make up for the wetlands affected by its own development efforts.

What they're saying: The project will make the park a paradise for birds and local birdwatchers, said Maura McCarthy, executive director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, in a news release.

• "Returning part of FDR Park to wetland is an important step toward creating and maintaining a world class public park that is built on the Delaware River watershed," she said.

What's next: The other projects tied to the $45-million nature phase are expected to continue through 2026.

• Those projects include a nature playground, 5-mile trail, a kayak and canoe launch, plant nursery and forest restoration.