On August 14th, the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors was given a presentation on a potential “Kayak Launch” at 601 Washington Street in Conshohocken (Whitemarsh Township), proposed by the Schuylkill River Greenways. Villanova University owns this property, and it is being redeveloped into a modern rowing facility.

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.”

Representatives of the Schuylkill River Greenways shared that this Bridgeport to Gladwynne area has been a target for public launches and was considered a “high priority.” There is currently an eight-mile gap between public launches that includes all of the Borough of Conshohocken, Borough of West Conshohocken, and Whitemarsh Township.

The launch would be for non-motorized boats only (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc.) and would include its own access road from Washington Street and parking for 13 vehicles.

As currently proposed, the Schuylkill River Greenways and the township would obtain an easement or other agreement with Villanova University for the property. Schuylkill River Greenways would secure grants to pay for the construction, and the township would maintain the property. If there was significant damage from a storm, the township could ask for Schuykill River Greenways’ assistance to repair or rebuild the ramp.

There was no decision made during the meeting. The presentation was an introduction to the concept. It was not clear whether Villanova University had endorsed the proposed ramp at this time.

You can watch the presentation below.