PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A trip to the beach could soon be just a SEPTA stop away.
The University City District plans to build a two-deck water park over the Schuylkill River between Chestnut and Market streets, but not until they can raise $60 million for the project.
"The basic idea of this is to get folks to experience the river," said Nate Hommel, director of planning and design with the district. "As cities get hotter, we always can know that going to the waterfront will be the coolest part."
He says the top deck would always be open and the lower deck will have an ADA ramp, possibly a slide, and stairs to get onto the amenity area.
People will be able to sit on a "sandy beach" and even go for a dip in a pool.
"It's a public space; it's also an educational space," Hommel said. "A place where kids can learn about the tides … learn about these processes, these natural processes, and then just have a wonderful experience along the waterfront."
Planners say they will take one year to seek input from community members.
The build itself is expected to take two years.
