Whether you’ve heard about how awesome or wasteful the new Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is, have you taken the trudge down to the River?

If you’re an avid jogger or walker, you were most likely one of the first to cross the entire path.  But many Philadelphians have been wondering what it would do for the city.  Is it worth the $18 million and 3 years spent on its planning and construction?  Some have even gone as far as to call it Philly’s “newest playground for the rich,” which may be a dramatic embellishment…but it’s a fair opinion.

Since its opening on October 2nd, many have praised and hyped the boardwalk as Philly’s best new attraction.  It literally lets visitors walk on water.

With 2,000 feet of boards extending from Locust to South Street, the project was sure to impress the runners, the casual strollers, tourists, and locals alike.  For the social media savvy, it’s a picture-perfect place for views of the Center City Skyline.  Not to mention that the entire distance is illuminated by a solar powered lighting system (10 points for Green Philly!).

Although the Schuylkill River trail is super popular amongst exercise enthusiasts and the boardwalk seems like a cool hangout spot, what exactly will the extension bring to Philadelphia?

Visiting the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk

These were my thoughts , until I finally wandered my way down to Locust Street and explored it for myself.

As I walked in the direction towards South Street, I took in the vast amount of people that passed by me.  Bikers, runners, babies in strollers, dogs trotting, young, old, professionals, students, and so much more. I came to the conclusion that the Schuylkill Boardwalk is more than just an attraction.  In less than a month, it has become a communal heaven for the people of Philadelphia.

The boardwalk has attracted so many different types of people to come together and share a space for whatever purpose they wish.  I found myself walking through this new local hub and in complete awe as I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. (Just look at my photos from the evening. How could you disagree?!?)

It gave me a sense of pride and belonging to this city that I have grown to love so much over the past three years.  As I walked through a new City Icon and could envision its transformation and participation over the next few years into making Philadelphia a truly connected city, just like the 2035 Plan.  I could see it as hotspot for pop-up attractions, guerilla marketing, and craft vendors.

Only the future can know its success, but it seems to me that the possibilities for the Schuylkill Boardwalk are endless, and the probability of it making Philly a more cohesive community is high.

What are your thoughts about the new Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk? Tell us in the comments.

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is a senior at Saint Joseph’s University, majoring in Communications & Digital Media. She has a passion for traveling, fitness, and food sustainability (and food in general)! She spent a semester abroad in Florence, experiencing how sustainability-conscious Europe is, which inspired her to do her part, too. Her dream career includes the continuation of traveling internationally. View all posts by Jessica Rutkowski