• Application for Membership to the Curt Weldon Community Center Fitness Center

• Application for use of Marcus Hook Picnic Pavilions
• Application for use of Marcus Hook Athletic Fields

• Marcus Hook Mini PROS Draft #4 Adopted 8/7/23 Part 1
• Marcus Hook Mini PROS Draft #4 Adopted 8/7/23 Part 2
• Marcus Hook Mini PROS Draft #4 Adopted 8/7/23 Part 3
• Marcus Hook Mini PROS Draft #4 Adopted 8/7/23 Part 4

Marcus Hook WalkWorks Project - Steps to a healthier you

In 2018 Marcus Hook Borough participated in the WalkWorks program, which is a statewide initiative aimed at getting more residents moving and promoting a healthier lifestyle. The WalkWorks program is a joint collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local partners. Marcus Hook established a walking route that passes by many important markers in town. The walking route begins and ends at Market Square Memorial Park with a total distance coming in at 2 miles. The WalkWork program is designed at getting more people out, walking, and promoting a healthier lifestyle through physical activity. Signs were installed and route cards printed.

Walking is a fun, easy, free and accessible way to increase physical activity! Engaging in regular physical activity has many health benefits. It can help:

• Control your weight;
• Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers;
• Strengthen your bones and muscles;
• Relieves stress and improve mental health and mood; and
• Increase your chances of living longer.

MARKET SQUARE MEMORIAL PARK DELAWARE RIVER

PIER REMOVAL AND RECONSTRUCTION MASTER PLAN

Borough Council determined a Master Plan for a new river pier is necessary to guide the future development of this resource.  In 2020 it was established that the pier was in such a deteriorated state that it was unsafe to be occupied by the general public and thereby closed while the Borough decided what the next steps for the future of the waterfront and the pier could be.

Borough Council proceeded to commission the firm of Urban Engineers to prepare the Pier Master Plan.  The Plan was prepared by a team of professionals, including engineers, planners, and designers with experience in pier design and operations, enterprise facility planning, and riverfront revitalization.

Funding for the Pier Master Plan comes from two sources: the federal Coastal Zone Management Program as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Keystone, Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Grant funds from these two programs cover the contract price of $82,400. 

The Plan considered a regional view along with a look at the immediate area and focuses on the projected use of a river pier to establish what is possible at this location.  The Plan will serve as a guide for pier removal and construction permitting, construction, orderly and planned development, use, operations, and management.

A strong public participation component was built into the study process.   Borough Council selected a representative and diverse study committee comprised of interested parties from the community.  Meetings were held to gather input from the members to provide guidance and review of the work.  Two Community Meetings were held: December 7, 2022 and June 1, 2023.  Key Person interviews were conducted with select individuals designated by the Borough as persons who frequently use the pier or may have an interest in the features of a new pier.

Based on the feedback from the various meetings with stakeholders and the research and expertise of the consultant team, the following items emerged as key site considerations which are presented in the master plan report and pier and riverfront concept plans:

1. Provide direct visual connection to the Pier from Market Street and Delaware Avenue.
2. Family friendly features for residents and visitors with young children at the pier and park / community center.
3. Amenities on shore close to the pier that invite residents and visitors to stay for a while.
4. Additional space to host events at the pier.
5. A new modern pier that is durable and requires minimal maintenance.
6. A wider pier for more space for visitors and emergency vehicle access.
7. Allow for alternate seating in shaded areas on the pier.
8. Wider area on outshore platform.
9. Floating dock and slips for Coast Guard Auxiliary.
10. Modern fishing facilities: cleaning station with water, fishing line recycling, shaded seating, handicapped accessible railing panels, lighting, flexible and permanent seating.

The Plan includes a cost estimate for the construction of the elements discussed throughout the report as shown on plans and renderings.  This vision for the waterfront will not come cheap.  Funding for the improvements will likely be a long-term effort.  There is precedent for similar project in the state which have been financed through fundraising, grants, and donations.  Funds can come from a variety of sources including many federal and state run programs that promote public access to park areas and specifically for this case, the waterfront.

A summary of costs as described and depicted in the Master Plan follows:

Pier Structure (12-ft. walkway)                                  $6,105,000

Floating Dock and Associated Dredging       $1,013,000

Ice Breaker Improvements                                                      $2,192,000

Landside Improvements                                                         $1,626,000  

It would be foolhardy to say this is not a reach for a small community like Marcus Hook to accomplish.  Nonetheless, the Plan shows what is possible at this location.  Marcus Hook’s location on the Delaware River allows for opportunities and a vision.  It will take perseverance, determination, and funding brinksmanship to bring this Plan to realty.   

The first step would be to raise funds necessary to develop the design and permitting requirements for the pier structure first so plans can be prepared, and more refined cost can be established.  A project that has plans and permits prepared is more likely to receive funding support if they are “shovel ready.”  Once the pier is under construction it will likely be easier to secure additional funding for the remaining improvements since the pier will be the focal point of the site upgrades around the pier.  

The pride of the Borough’s park system is Market Square Memorial Park, located at the foot of Market Street at the Delaware River.  This facility has grown from less than ½ acre to its present size of 6 acres.  The purpose of the Pier Removal and Reconstruction Master Plan is to develop this popular park to its full potential, creating an area that generates greater interest and activity than at present.

To see the full Master Plan please click here: Pier Master Plan