On the August 14th agenda (view) for the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors is an item that could bring more activity to the Schuylkill River in Conshohocken (Whitemarsh Township). The agenda item involves a potential “Kayak Launch” at 601 Washington Street, proposed by the Schuylkill River Greenways. Villanova University owns this property, and it is being redeveloped into a modern rowing facility. We shaded the proposed kayak launch pink in the map shown above.

Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area has a mission “to connect residents, visitors and communities to the Schuylkill River and the Schuylkill River Trail by serving as a catalyst for civic engagement and economic development in order to foster stewardship of the watershed and its heritage.”

A sketch plan of the proposed kayak launch offers the following information:

• Provide a second entry drive at the west end of the property to serve the river access.
• Provide a concrete kayak/canoe ramp and access path between the river path and the water.
• Provide a two-way access drive. Asphalt or gravel.
• Provide parking for 13 cars with designate[d] HC parking. Asphalt or concrete.
• Provide a gate and fencing (if desired/needed.]
• Provide signage including safety signage, rules and regulations, and an
  entrance sign.
• Kayaks and canoes would be permitted, but no motorboats.

This is the second kayak launch currently being proposed on the Whitemarsh Township section of the riverfront. A proposal for 49 townhouses at the former David’s Bridal property at 1001 Washington Street in Conshohocken (Whitemarsh Township) includes a kayak launch as part of its plans. That proposal is on the August 12th agenda (view) of the township’s planning commission.

Image – Map from Schuykill River Greenways as provided in the Whitemarsh Township agenda