Checked out the new Schuylkill River Banks Boardwalk this weekend and was completely amazed! Loved the design, loved the views, and loved the slight feeling of escape it gave. Huge pat on the back to the City and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation for supporting such a fantastic project.
Now with that said, I think there’s always room for improvement, so below I’m suggesting five ways to build on the existing boardwalk over the next few months/years to make it even better…
1. Work with an artist to create a permanent light installation along part of the boardwalk, perhaps even bring back/evolve J. Meejin Yoon & Mural Arts’ ‘Light Drift’ from 2010.
2. The new boardwalk offers such great views of the South Street Bridge, so to build on that: Create a waterfall across the entire span of the South Street Bridge that would use sensors to allow boats to pass under, a bit like this waterfall swing set, like a much wider version of what artist Olafur Eliasson did with the Brooklyn Bridge in 2008.
3. Install a large sculpture(s) on the sliver of land between the railroad and the river to view from the boardwalk… Perhaps KAWS?
4. In one or more of the seating areas, install a few of those floating hammocks that were so popular at this summer’s Spruce Street Harbor Park.
5. Last but not least: Music and live theater! On busy weekends, work with the Philadelphia Orchestra (The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, the Kimmel Center, high school theater groups, and the list goes on…) to perform small sets on one or more boats/barges floating just next to the boardwalk.
What are your ideas to build on Philly’s new boardwalk?
Streets Dept 
Leave a comment