Situated along the eastern bank of the Schuylkill River, the East Park Canoe House was the first recreation building constructed in Fairmount Park. The restored historic canoe house is home to Temple University’s rowing team and the Philadelphia Police Marine Unit and hosts 49 regattas during the spring and summer boating season. Following a major renovation to the building, OLIN worked with the City of Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation department to develop a landscape plan for the historic site that thoughtfully incorporates a reconfigured parking lot and vehicular circulation, new rain gardens and bioswales, broad boat ramps and dock, and additional pedestrian paths. A new event terrace with stadium seating spans the public side of the building at the river’s edge, offering a prime gathering and viewing spot along the Schuylkill.
