Gorgas Park is a heavily programmed, historic recreational venue in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia. Founded as a public space in 1895, the park straddles the high point between the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek, and spans more than 75’ of grade change across 20 acres. The park encompasses open lawn, walking paths, playground, dense wooded areas, an event gazebo, service buildings, and a baseball field nicknamed the Mud Flats, due to persistent flooding and erosion issues.

With funding from a PWD Stormwater Management Improvement Grant, SALT DESIGN STUDIO was commissioned to create a Stormwater Management Master Plan for the park and adjacent Roxborough High School. To minimize stormwater runoff and improve how the park functions, a suite of stormwater management practices (SMP) were developed to alleviate drainage issues in different areas of the park. SALT’s Master Plan breaks the site down into smaller drainage areas for efficient capture and infiltration in situ. Proposed SMPs include native meadows to replace compacted lawn, infiltration berms, bioswales and a boulder wall for slope stabilization.

In 2016, the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation received a $400,000 grant from DCNR to implement the stormwater and site improvements identified in SALT's Master Plan.

Collaborators: Meliora Design

Status: Master Plan Completed January 2015