The Cobbs Creek restoration project began in May 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by summer 2027. The massive environmental project is focused on restoring three miles of creek and adding more than 25 acres of floodplain wetlands.
The environmental component of the Cobbs Creek project spans three phases: erosion and sediment control and early habitat enhancement; large-scale earthwork that will regrade the floodplain and build an infrastructure for stormwater; and a final, crucial set of projects: the channel restoration for the creek, establishment of new wetlands, and complete reforestation and replanting.
The Pennsylvania DEP has said the restoration of 3 miles of Cobbs Creek, “Is one of the largest true process-based stream restoration projects (not in an engineered system) in a mega-urban environment in the country…. Truly exceptional in size and quality for a large city and a showcase for what can be done to restore urban environments.”
Once complete, the restoration will help mitigate flooding on the Cobbs Creek campus while creating healthier ecosystems through the planting of hundreds of native trees, shrubs, and plants and supporting the return of native birds, pollinators, and other wildlife to this vital urban watershed.
“This $2 million investment through the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is another powerful vote of confidence in the restoration of Cobbs Creek,” said Jeff Shanahan, President of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, Representative Morgan Cephas, and State Senator Vincent Hughes for their tireless advocacy and unwavering support for this transformative project.
“Their leadership is helping restore one of Philadelphia’s most treasured public spaces, ensuring that Cobbs Creek will serve generations of Philadelphians as a place where opportunity, community, environmental stewardship and championship golf come together.”
The creek restoration project is a key component in the ongoing development of the Cobbs Creek Golf Campus, a hub for community, education, and recreation. The Cobbs Creek Foundation is raising $180 million to restore and revitalize the historic property.
Today, visitors to Cobbs Creek can experience several premier amenities that have already opened to the public as part of the campus transformation.
The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek features a two-story, 68-bay driving range with Toptracer technology, The Little Horse Tavern restaurant and bar, a full-service golf shop, and 1916 by Fitler Club, a premier event venue for corporate, community, and private gatherings, all open to the public.
Also on the Cobbs Creek campus is the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, which offers free, year-round educational programming for students in grades 1–12, focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) educational enrichment, college and career readiness, health, well-being, and workforce development opportunities.
Golfers of all ages and skill levels can also enjoy the Q-School Short Course, a nine-hole, par-3 course designed to introduce new players to the game while providing experienced golfers with exceptional short-game practice opportunities.
These amenities represent the first phase of the historic restoration, with the championship 18-hole Olde Course, 9-hole Karakung Course, Heritage Center Museum, and additional community assets scheduled to open in 2027 and 2028.
The Cobbs Creek Golf Campus is managed by Troon, the global leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services.