Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River could soon undergo a transformation with the introduction of the West Philly Waterfront project by the University City District (UCD). This initiative, situated adjacent to 30th Street Station, aims to inject energy into the city’s landscape through a mix of recreational and entertainment offerings.
Spanning the area between Chestnut and Market Streets along Schuylkill Avenue, the West Philly Waterfront is envisioned to encompass features like a beach, a slide, a public pool, and an entertainment venue. UCD’s proposal emphasizes practicality, with plans for swimming classes, lifeguard training, and swim meets complemented by natural landscaping and shaded areas for comfort during warmer months.
“The time is right for a bold vision to further enhance our connection to the Schuylkill River,” states District President Matt Bergheiser. “Now is the time to think with great aspiration about a new iconic space to connect the waterfront to the dynamic growth of University City, and to make it accessible for all Philadelphians.”
$60M Project Could Revitalize West Philly Waterfront
However, the realization of this vision depends on securing funding. With a projected cost of $60 million, UCD is actively seeking partners to support the project. “Once fundraising is complete, we anticipate a roughly 3-year process to conduct community engagement, make tweaks to the design, secure the needed permits and approvals, and complete construction,” says Director of Marketing and Communications Chris Richman. “Right now, we’re specifically focused on raising the funds for a robust community engagement process, which will be critical to the project’s success.”
Bergheiser draws parallels to past successes such as The Porch at 30th Street, envisioning the West Philly Waterfront as a catalyst for urban renewal. Through innovative design and inclusive programming, the project seeks to revitalize the area while stimulating economic activity in the surrounding vicinity.
The project’s timeline remains undisclosed, yet the University City District asserts it will serve as a beacon for Philadelphia’s future beyond 2026. Anticipating a surge of visitors for the U.S. semiquincentennial, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game, Philadelphia braces for a transformative era.
“The park would help draw in tourists and residents alike, and bring additional traffic to businesses in the area,” Richman emphasizes.
Collaborating with the University City District on the project’s planning are AECOM, Digsau, the Collaborative, and Bio Habitats Inc.
Positioned as a gateway to University City, the project aligns with the area’s burgeoning development, fueled by growth at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and the city’s thriving life sciences industry.
Photo Credits: AECOM
The post Public Pool Project Could Revitalize West Philly Waterfront appeared first on PoolMagazine.com – Get The Latest Pool News.
