Philadelphia has a number of advocates who envision turning Philadelphia into a city with among the most water-based recreation opportunities, writes Kyle Bagenstone for Delaware Currents.
To get to that point, however, Philadelphia’s waterways would need to have less pollution and more boat launches. This would make various forms of water-based recreation more within reach both geographically and financially for many city residents.
Stefanie Kroll, director of Riverways, is working with other likeminded individuals and organizations to help connect people to the region’s waterways. In addition, she wants to create conditions for Philadelphians who often travel outside the city to kayak or do other water-based activities.
Discovery Pathways, a nonprofit looking to get more Philadelphians onto local waterways, helped one Philly teen learn how to kayak.
Yazmine Acosta, 14 from South Philadelphia, can attest to this.
“I’ve learned so much about watersheds. I learned how to kayak properly. I even learned how to fish for the first time,” Acosta said. “I get to actually breathe air for once instead of just being cramped in a house.”
The goal is to get more Philadelphians the opportunity to have these experiences.
Adam Forbes, founder of Discovery Pathways, added “There are lots of possibilities to get out on water. But there are very few established access points.”
Read more about how local advocates are looking to improve Philly’s waterways at Delaware Currents.
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