Cobbs Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cobbs Creek |
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Cobbs Creek near Nitre Hall
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 Location of the mouth of Cobbs Creek in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Counties | Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware |
| Cities | Philadelphia, Upper Darby, Darby, Millbourne |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cobbs Creek Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States 377 ft (115 m) 40°00′54″N 75°19′32″W / 40.01500°N 75.32556°W |
| River mouth | Darby Creek Darby, Pennsylvania, United States 0 ft (0 m) 39°54′23″N 75°15′11″W / 39.90639°N 75.25306°W |
| Length | 11.8 mi (19.0 km) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 100 sq mi (260 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Cobbs Creek is a stream in Pennsylvania, United States. It is about 11.8 miles (19 km) long. This creek flows into Darby Creek, which then goes into the Delaware River.
Cobbs Creek helps form the border between Montgomery County and Delaware County. It also marks part of the border between Philadelphia County and Delaware County. The creek even runs through parts of Mount Moriah Cemetery.
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Discovering Cobbs Creek's Past
Long ago, Native Americans called Cobbs Creek "Karakung." This area was home to the first water mill in Pennsylvania. Governor Johan Printz of New Sweden built this mill in 1645. You can still see where it was near the Blue Bell Inn.
Many other mills were built along the creek over time. For example, the Nitre Hall Powder Mills were built in the early 1800s. This area was a busy manufacturing center for nearly 200 years.
Fun and Nature at Cobbs Creek Park
Cobbs Creek is surrounded by a large park called Cobbs Creek Park. This park covers about 851 acres (3.44 sq km). It is managed by the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation department.
The park has many fun things to do. There are three playgrounds for kids to enjoy. These include the Cobbs Creek Recreation Center and Granahan playground. Charles Papa Playground is also part of Morris Park.
For many people in West Philadelphia, Cobbs Creek Park is a favorite spot. You can go hiking, swimming, or play golf. There are also ball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts. During summer, families love to have picnics and parties here.
Cobbs Creek and the Community
Cobbs Creek is important for children in West Philadelphia and Upper Darby. It often gives them their first chance to explore forests and freshwater. Local schools use the creek for learning activities. Students study the water quality to check for pollution.
The park is home to many animals. You might see birds, raccoons, opossums, and even deer. Wild turkeys and rabbits also live here.
There were plans in the 1930s to build a highway along Cobbs Creek. This highway would have been called I-695. However, people in the community objected, and the plans were stopped in the 1970s.
The Cobbs Creek Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway. This is a very long trail system. It connects places all the way from Maine to Florida.
Streams Flowing into Cobbs Creek
Several smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Cobbs Creek.
- Naylors Run: This stream flows underground in Upper Darby. It then drains into Cobbs Creek. Parts of Naylors Run were put into underground pipes. This allowed buildings to be built on top.
- Indian Creek: This creek starts near Montgomery County. It flows into the Haddington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Its two branches meet in Morris Park. The Cobbs Creek Golf Course is a well-known spot here.
- Thomas Run Creek: This stream was turned into a sewer. It used to flow from around 53rd and Walnut streets. It met Cobbs Creek near 60th Street.
- Paschall Creek
- Mingo Creek
