Philadelphia 'Rail Park' Opens To Public
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new amazing attraction opened in Philadelphia on Thursday. Phase one of the highly anticipated rail park in Philadelphia's Callowhill section is finally open to the public.
The project was more than a decade in the making, and now Philadelphia's rail park is finally seeing its first visitors.
"It's just fabulous," Kevin Dow said. "The number of people we have out here is great. It demonstrates the excitement that is all around us."
The abandoned Reading Railroad Line has been transformed into "The Rail Park" in the Callowhill section of the city.
The quarter-mile park sits atop once dilapidated elevated rails, stretching from Broad and Noble Streets to 11th and Callowhill Streets.
Its industrial swings, crusted stone paths and sustainable greenery cut through the Callowhill neighborhood in the city.
In 2003, some Philadelphians living in the area dreamed up the idea.
Some 15 years and $11 million in public and private funds later, the park is finally open.
Philadelphia Rail Park Opens In June
The project costs $10 million.
And with plans to expand it another two-and-three-quarter miles, Philadelphians already enjoying a picnic lunch say they can't wait for the expansion.
For more information visit, www.therailpark.org.