Inquirer Editorial: Where a great city meets the great outdoors

With the smart goal of transforming the Delaware waterfront by reconnecting Philadelphia to the river, it's not a question of building new attractions to attract visitors. Rather, it's about opening up more routes for people to reach the river that's there.

So the progress reported last week toward creating a permanent network of trails and public spaces at the water's edge represents an important step forward.

The acquisition of four piers and five acres of land by the agency overseeing public waterfront development means it's no longer a question of whether but of when greater waterfront recreational options will arrive. And the eventual trail will connect to amenities like the recently transformed Race Street Pier.

There's still a great deal of work, but the strategy used by the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. points the way: By pairing public resources - in the form of a $1.25 million state grant - and the involvement of the Natural Lands Trust, a nonprofit land-preservation group, the agency could open more of the waterfront to the public.

As it happens, the trail project is just one recent indication that, with state help, Philadelphia continues to make progress on enhancing recreational experiences in the city and surroundings.

The city also will benefit from a $1.3 million state grant to extend the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Lower Merion across the Schuylkill along the Manayunk Bridge. That will link up with $645,000 in city renovations planned for the Manayunk Canal Towpath.

Between the rivers, the city also is finding its wise investment in lanes for bicycling is driving an impressive increase in cycling rates. The latest survey by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia found more people getting around on two wheels, greater helmet use, and - of particular note to pedestrians - a substantial decrease in illegal sidewalk cycling.

Given the city's high rates of obesity and diabetes, it's also a win for public health when it's easier for people to get outdoors.