The Philadelphia Water Department is Building a “Floating Classroom” on The Schuylkill River!
The Philadelphia Water Department is Building a “Floating Classroom” on The Schuylkill River!
The Schuylkill River is continuing to outshine the Delaware River waterfront. With the iconic Boathouse Row, Schuylkill Banks, a running trail, a Boardwalk The Waterworks and acres of lush greenery along Fairmount Park, it’s no wonder The Schuylkill River has been a favorite destination among locals and tourists alike. Now the Schuylkill River is adding another attraction. The Philadelphia Water Department plans to build a floating classroom near the Fairmount Dam.
Philadelphia Water Dept.
The goal of creating the floating classroom is to provide an educational experience to children and adults on topics such as general public water quality as well as conservation.
The floating classroom will be situated along the east bank of the river parallel to The Art Museum. The structure will measure 5,400 sq. ft. and will be anchored in the riverbed. Surrounding the classroom will be over 1,000 sq. ft. of floating dock space for guests to roam. Visitors will be able to access the floating classroom via a walkway connecting it to the Schuylkill River Trail. If you’re lucky enough to have your own boat the structure also comes equipped with boat access.
As for funding, The PWD is currently collaborating with regional partners to raise money via donors. When open the floating classroom will be open 6 months out of the year, spanning June through November. When not in operation the PWD will relocate the classroom to an enclosed basin at Penn’s Landing.
Philadelphia Water Dept.
