An anonymous donor from Chestnut Hill has pledged a $150,000 matching gift to Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) toward the construction of the $2.5 million Valley Green Run Restoration and Pedestrian Bridge Project, FOW’s largest capital undertaking in its 99-year history. 

Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-July on the two-phase project, which will remediate the 2014 collapse of the Valley Green Run streambank and adjacent pedestrian bridge. The work will create a stable stream channel and streambank while the new bridge will restore safe pedestrian access to this highly popular section of the Wissahickon Valley Park. 

FOW is grateful to this anonymous donor, whose generous matching gift raises the level of every donation – large and small – toward accomplishing the project’s dual priorities of environmental conservation and making the Wissahickon more accessible and enjoyable for its more than two million annual visitors, in the short term and beyond.

“This project allows FOW to recognize the individuals and partners who make our conservation mission possible as we look toward a century of stewardship in the park,” said Alyssa Edwards, FOW president and Chestnut Hill resident. “This signature architectural feature serves not only as a gateway to the park but also as a bridge to FOW’s future.” 

As FOW moves toward its centennial in 2024, the organization’s key strategy for success is building momentum through a sustainable donor base. Long-lasting, wide-reaching stability will cement FOW’s capacity to develop critical infrastructure in the Wissahickon, manage stormwater, improve visitor experience, and engage with the community through education, advocacy, and outreach. 

The Wissahickon, and particularly the Valley Green area, has played a significant role in the lives of park visitors across generations, from the place they learned to ride a bike to where they got engaged. More than any previous FOW project, the Valley Green Pedestrian Bridge offers the opportunity to create a permanent, personal connection to this special place as well as a lasting contribution to the health of the Wissahickon Park and Creek. FOW is offering exciting in-park recognition opportunities at this project site, such as named planks on the bridge’s boardwalk, dedicated information kiosk, engraved stone pavers and more, available at customizable levels of support. 

For more information about the Valley Green Run Restoration and Pedestrian Bridge Project and in park recognition opportunities, visit fow.org/vgbridge.

Laura Feragen

Friends of the Wissahickon