On September 30, city officials joined representatives from the Audubon Society and the Philadelphia Outward Bound School to break ground on the Discovery Center. When the project is complete you’ll be able to learn about the environment just a few blocks from Center City in Fairmount Park.

The project is also opening the West Basin of the East Park Reservoir to the public for the first time in 40 years. In that time, it has become one of Philadelphia’s most unique natural resources. The site will also feature a rock climbing wall and ropes/challenge course as a part of Outward Bound’s educational programing.

You will also have the chance to see over 170 species of birds in their natural habitat. Since the East Park Reservoir was abandoned as a water source it has become an important bird habitat and a critical stopover on the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds.

Be sure to experience Philadelphia’s vast parks system while you’re waiting for the Discovery Center to arrive!