The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk extends the trail from Locust Street to South Street, an area that has long been without pedestrian waterfront access because of the close proximity of existing train tracks to the water’s edge. Through a combination of federal, state, and nonprofit funding, $18 million was spent to circumvent the lack of riverfront access by creating a new portion of the path that juts out into the river itself.
The boardwalk is 15 feet wide, offering plenty of room for pedestrians and bicyclists to share the space. Four lookout points give folks and opportunity to take in the view without disrupting the flow of traffic. The boardwalk also has solar powered overhead lights to illuminate the path after sundown.
I had the opportunity to go for a run on the boardwalk this weekend and I highly recommend it. The views are dynamic and interesting enough to divert attention away from the act of running (always a plus in my mind) and I found it hard to resist snapping a photo or two. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my community to see people taking advantage of another one of Philadelphia's great new public spaces. I'm also hopeful that this project demonstrates the need to extend trail networks throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region -- and build on all of the great work that has been done over the past several years.
(Seriously, try not to Instagram this.)
Katie Bartolotta is PennFuture's Philadelphia outreach coordinator. She tweets @KatieBartolotta.
