State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman joined members of the Friends of Schuylkill River Park in Celebrating the Reopening of the beloved dog park.
Philadelphia, PA − Tuesday, April 29, 2025 − On Sunday, State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman joined the Friends of Schuylkill River Park in celebrating the official reopening of the beloved dog run following the completion of the first major upgrades since its opening.
“Ample green public spaces in our communities are essential to our individual and collective health and wellbeing. The Schuylkill River Park offers neighbors vital green space and an essential access point for our river and trails, as well as one of the most broadly used dog runs in Philadelphia,” said Senator Saval. “This park is entirely a labor of love, fueled by the care and dedication of a tireless group of volunteers. Government is at its best when it supports the brilliance, capacity, and creativity of its people, and I am so proud to have been able to support the work happening here with an investment from our Commonwealth.”
“The Schuylkill River Dog Park is a citywide destination that brings people together and reflects the kind of public investment our communities deserve,” said Representative Waxman. “I’m proud to help bring state funding to support a space that brings so much joy and connection to so many Philadelphians.”
One of the most broadly used dog runs in Philadelphia, the Schuylkill River Dog Park attracts visitors from throughout the region. Senator Saval and Representative Waxman advocated for the Friends of Schuylkill River Park to receive a state grant of $160,000 to completely replace the worn surface of the dog run with new matting with proper drainage and antibacterial protection.
“Whether you bring your dog in or you’re just watching from the bridge, the dog run has long been the beating heart of our beloved Schuylkill River Park,” said Cameron Dennis, an incoming board member of the Friends of Schuylkill River Park. “The upgrades wouldn’t have been possible without the support of State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman, who helped secure critical state funding, as well as the incredible contributions from our devoted community members.”
The new turf is part of a series of improvements completed to reinvigorate the space as a treasured community amenity. Additional upgrades include new fencing, repaired drainage, updated landscaping, and the implementation of a long-term maintenance plan for keeping the park clean well into the future.