OPEN SPACE | BROWNFIELDS
Working Group

*UNDER CONSTRUCTION*

Concern

Camden was once a booming industrial city. Within Camden's 9 square-mile area there are 2 Superfund sites and 114 known contaminated sites.  The large amounts of vacant and contaminated land in this former industrial center hamper redevelopment efforts and impact the quality of life of residents.  Vacant structures also pose a significant threat to public health and safety.

Goals

To advocate for and facilitate land use decisions, maintain eco-friendly uses of spaces and make the public aware of land use decisions.

Focus Area & Activities

  • Keep updated data of open spaces to better leverage the use of these spaces
  • Educate and engage the community about land use decisions 
  • Integrate the goals of the 10-minute Walk Initiative and ensure the 10-minute walk/park plan is safe
  • Reach out to potential partners
  • Implement the Sustainability Ordinance
  • Align the City's priority with working group actions
  • Promote climate resilience
  • Determine how to include green infrastructure into new development plans

Accomplishments

  1.  Identification of best opportunities for development and green space preservation
  2. Opening of Phoenix Park on June 2, 2015

Looking Forward

  • Phoenix Park Project Phase II - Living Shoreline
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  • Cramer Hill Waterfront Park at the Harrison Avenue Landfill

  • Promote the brownfield reuse opportunities lists (a. "Economic Development"; b. "Ecosystem Services") to find partners and funding sources for revitalization of these sites

  • Develop guidelines to maximize assets (economic, social, environmental, infrastructure) when contaminated sites are remediated to support the City's goal for sustainability, resiliency, and quality of life improvements

  • Create additional open spaces and recreational opportunities from brownfield sites


For more information about the Open Space & Brownfields Working Group contact camdencollaborative@coopersferry.com

Camden Conservation blueprint

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Camden Conservation Blueprint is an easy to use, data driven interactive map that includes key information about public health and demographics, as well as detailed information about parks and open spaces; the condition of recreation facilities and how accessible parks are for residents. 
Our vision is to provide residents, community groups, organizations and planners with the tools and information they need to help increase access to parks and to improve the health and quality of life for everyone living and working in Camden.
The map can be used to gather information, advocate for community improvements, prioritize projects and expand programming in areas where it is most needed, enabling informed decisions and healthy outcomes.  Camden Conservation Blueprint could be used to:

  • Advocate for change to improve health outcomes for people living and working in Camden
  • Effectively prioritize, plan and deliver needed programming for the community
  • Create increased access to green spaces and recreation opportunities
  • Create new parks for underserved residents
  • Advocate for increased funding and maintenance of parks
  • Maximize space for urban gardening and healthy food initiatives
  • Advocate for and implement programs and infrastructure that reduces flooding
  • Look for ways to reduce the urban heat effect (e.g. increasing the urban tree canopy)
  • And more…