PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia will invest $9.1 million to restore sections of Cobbs Creek and reduce flooding risks in surrounding neighborhoods as part of a broader environmental and redevelopment project underway in West Philadelphia.
What This Means for You
- The project will rebuild about three miles of Cobbs Creek waterways and tributaries to reduce downstream flooding.
- Plans include creating 25 acres of wetlands that help absorb stormwater during heavy rain.
- The work is part of a larger redevelopment of the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course and surrounding parkland.
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the investment Monday alongside city officials and the Cobbs Creek Foundation, a nonprofit organization leading a major environmental restoration and redevelopment effort at the 350-acre Cobbs Creek Golf Course.
City officials said the funding will support ongoing construction to repair waterways that have deteriorated over time and contributed to flooding problems in nearby communities.
The creek restoration project is expected to create new floodplain wetlands, expand stormwater infrastructure, and restore habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
“This investment reflects our belief that every neighborhood deserves access to high-quality public spaces that bring people together and strengthen our communities,” Parker said. “The creek restoration and flood mitigation work will enhance the natural beauty of this neighborhood, while also improving stormwater management and protecting this natural corridor for generations to come.”
Major Urban Stream Restoration Underway
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is spearheading the larger redevelopment effort, which includes environmental restoration and rebuilding the historic public golf course.
The nonprofit signed a long-term lease with the City of Philadelphia in 2021 to revitalize the city-owned property and build an education-focused campus around the golf course.
The creek restoration alone represents roughly $30 million in environmental improvements, according to the foundation.
Officials say the project is one of the largest urban stream restoration efforts in the country.
“Environmental stewardship has always been central to our mission, and we are grateful for this partnership with the City,” said Jeffrey Shanahan, president of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “The work that is being done to restore the creek will protect the communities downstream and ensure that the revitalized Cobbs Creek Campus remains safe, sustainable, and accessible to all.”
Construction on the restoration began in 2023 and is now about halfway complete, with crews excavating the stream and rerouting water flow to reduce flooding risks.
Additional construction this spring and summer will include installing retaining walls, building wetlands, and planting native vegetation.
Historic Golf Course Redevelopment
The Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which opened in 1916, was once considered one of the premier public courses in the United States.
The site also played a significant role in the history of inclusion in golf, welcoming Black players and women during a time when many courses excluded them.
After years of deterioration, the golf course closed in 2020.
The foundation is raising approximately $180 million to transform the site into what it describes as a sustainable golf and education campus.
Several facilities have already opened.
In April 2025, the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab opened on the campus, providing free educational programming for students in grades one through twelve in West Philadelphia and surrounding communities.
The 30,000-square-foot facility offers science, technology, engineering, arts, and math courses, along with tutoring, college preparation, and career-focused learning opportunities.
The lab operates through a partnership with the TGR Foundation, a nonprofit founded by professional golfer Tiger Woods.
Officials say the restored creek will serve as an outdoor learning environment for students participating in those programs.
Other campus features are also opening in phases.
The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, which includes a driving range, pro shop, and restaurant, opened in December.
A nine-hole short course known as the Q School is expected to open in spring 2026.
The championship 18-hole golf course is scheduled to reopen in 2027, followed by the nine-hole Karakung course in 2028.
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