For generations, Camden residents lived alongside the Cooper River but often felt cut off from it. That changed with the creation of the Cooper River Water Trail, a 15.5-mile route designed to restore safe, equitable access to the river and give the community new ways to connect with nature.

The project is part of Camden’s larger vision to build a greener, healthier, and more connected city. The water trail links more than 100 communities, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation. What was once seen as a dirty and inaccessible river is now positioned as one of the most significant nature-based recreation resources in the Philadelphia-Camden region.

Before the project, stormwater and combined sewer overflows contributed to water quality issues, and fences blocked residents from reaching the shoreline. Community members often viewed the river as unsafe or “off-limits.” The redevelopment directly addressed these barriers by removing fences, restoring natural shorelines, and improving public access points. Restored shorelines and an 8-mile greenway act as buffers, helping to manage polluted runoff, stabilize soils, and reduce flooding.

The crucial next step was to provide residents with information about the trail and make it easy to access. New signage, interactive maps, and designated launch sites make it simple for residents and visitors to navigate the water trail safely. Additional improvements include picnic areas, bathrooms, and suggested routes, all designed to encourage longer visits and family-friendly use. These changes have helped shift public perception of the river from a neglected waterway to a shared community resource.

The trail’s development took over four years and brought together six partner organizations. Collaboration was essential not only to fund and build the trail but also to create programming that would make it sustainable. Through community events and paddling programs, residents have been able to safely experience the river—many for the first time—helping to build lasting connections with the water.

New Jersey Future is proud to recognize the Cooper River Water Trail as a 2025 Smart Growth Award winner. This project shows how underused natural spaces can be transformed into community assets. By combining strong partnerships, careful planning, and direct community involvement, Camden has created a resource that improves public health, strengthens local identity, and demonstrates how nature can be woven back into urban life.