Cherry Hill South Shoreline
Help Improve the Cherry Hill South Shoreline
Reimagine Middle Branch is beginning design to improve and enhance the public space surrounding MedStar Harbor Hospital. Design is underway now and anticipated to conclude at the end of 2026. We are building on what exists to create a more welcoming, usable, and connected waterfront that serves as a multi-use recreational community space connecting Middle Branch Park to the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center.
What’s Happening Now
We are collecting community input to guide public space improvements along the Cherry Hill South Shoreline near MedStar Harbor Hospital.
We are not starting from scratch. We are enhancing what exists and want to understand:
What is working well
What is not working
How this space can better serve the community
Now is the time to provide input, as design decisions are being developed.
What We Are Improving
Planned improvements include:
Replacement of the fishing piers on the southern edge of the shoreline
Renovations to the Broening Boat Ramp
A new trail connection to the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center
Gathering spaces for picnics, events, and community use
Improvements to reduce flooding on South Hanover Street and improve water quality
Native plantings and offshore wetlands
Together, these improvements will create a more connected and usable waterfront for recreation, relaxation, and community life.
A Project Taking Shape in Phases
Phase 1
Offshore wetlands are currently under construction through the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative (MBRI) and will be completed in 2026, re-establishing green space, improving flood resilience, and creating a more natural shoreline.
Phase 2
A new trail connection between the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center and the Cherry Hill South Shoreline—anticipated to start construction in 2027—will improve safe access and connectivity to the waterfront.
Future Phases
Additional shoreline, recreation, and public space improvements will follow, ultimately resulting in a restored waterfront community hub.
Ways to Get Involved
We’re just getting started, and there will be multiple opportunities to get involved in shaping the Cherry Hill South Shoreline. The options below are ways to participate now.
As design progresses, we will continue to share additional ways to engage. Be sure to check back or join the Reimagine Middle Branch mailing list to stay informed about upcoming meetings, events, and opportunities to participate.
Join us for a Community Meeting
Join us on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Middle Branch Fitness & Wellness Center to learn more about the Cherry Hill South Shoreline project and share your input.
At this meeting, you will:
Learn about the project and its goals
Get an update on the latest design progress
Share feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and how the space can be improved
Take the Survey
Help us understand the improvements you’d like to see on the Cherry Hill South Shoreline. The survey takes about 5 minutes and is open through April 30. Enter your email at the end to receive project updates and be entered for a chance to win Reimagine Middle Branch swag (no purchase necessary).
Become a Cherry Hill South Shoreline Steward
Apply by April 30, 2026
Stewards are a small group of Cherry Hill residents and stakeholders who help share information and provide feedback during the design process.
Stewards will:
Participate in approximately 4 design meetings over about 6 months
Share feedback on how the shoreline can better serve the community
Help communicate project updates within their networks
Support outreach efforts such as community events or pop-ups
We’re looking for individuals who:
Are connected to the Cherry Hill community
Are interested in improving the neighborhood’s waterfront
Feel comfortable sharing information and gathering feedback from others
Compensation:
Stewards will receive a stipend of at least $500, provided in five equal installments via check.