Riverfront North Partnership last week celebrated its annual Spring Fling and Silent Auction at Glen Foerd on the Delaware.
The Robert A. Borski Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award went to City Councilman and former state Rep. Mike Driscoll for his efforts to revitalize the Delaware River waterfront.
Meanwhile, Driscoll and Kathryn Ott Lovell, commissioner of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, unveiled an ordinance that will name an upcoming river park in Bridesburg as the Congressman Robert A. Borski Jr. Park.
Borski, a former congressman, is the founder and chairman of Riverfront North (known as the Delaware River City Corporation until 2018), and the park naming is in recognition of his leadership, vision and commitment in transforming an urban, industrial riverfront into community parks and trails. The 11-mile greenway stretches from Allegheny Avenue in Port Richmond to Grant Avenue in Torresdale.
Over the years, Riverfront North has invested nearly $45 million in the design, construction and restoration of river parks and trails.
Driscoll said he is grateful Borski did not retire after he “retired” from Congress in 2002.
Stephanie Phillips, executive director of Riverfront North, described Borski as a “visionary founder.”
Joe Slabinski, an original board member, presented Borski with a resolution.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed,” Borski said.
Borski’s last day as chairman is June 4. He’ll assume the role of chairman emeritus.
“You can call me at any time,” he said.
In addition, state Sen. Jim Dillon presented $500,000 to Riverfront North, earmarked for the Tacony Boat Launch. Dillon thanked Borski for being so “passionate” about the “majestic” river.
Borski presented flowers to Mariann Porter Dempsey, who worked for him in his state House and congressional offices and at Riverfront North.
Michael Mattioni will be the new volunteer chairman of the board.
The new, 10-acre Borski park, at the site of a former concrete factory, will be the last of the eight planned parks on the greenway.
Others at the event included state Reps. Joe Hohenstein and Pat Gallagher, city elections commission chairwoman Lisa Deeley and Councilman Jim Harrity. Noggin Hill provided live music. ••
