The Schuylkill River, known for its unpronounceable name, may soon have greater claims to fame.
Yesterday, leaders in the Schuylkill River's development joined Penn students and community members for a panel discussion about the city's plans for the future of the lands bordering the river.
"Vacant land means very different things and takes very different forms," organizer and Urban Studies lecturer Domenic Vitiello said.
Many of the panelists' designs focused on green space -- informal recreation and open areas -- rather than on traditional urban development.
Jamie Wyper of the Roxborough Greenspace Alliance kicked off the event with a discussion of his organization's current focus on the protection of green space in Philadelphia's Historic District in Upper Roxborough.
"The Historic District has given the community a good idea of what we're fighting for," Wyper said.
He spoke of the challenges the Greenspace Alliance faces, such as the recent decision by the environmental group Nature Center to sell land for development.
"It is a fierce and bitter battle to change their minds about what they're doing," Wyper said.
The second speaker, Kay Smith, director of the Manayunk Development Corporation, outlined past achievement and future plans for development along the Manayunk Canal -- an area that has been transformed from an industrial neighborhood to a semi-urban hot spot.
"We're looking at recreation, green space and waterfront," Smith said.
Facilities and Real Estate Services spokesman Tony Sorrentino emphasized connecting West Philadelphia to Center City, which will be possible through Penn's recent acquisition of the postal lands.
His plans include revamping the 30th Street Station area with retail space, restructuring the area's street system and expanding recreational areas, including docks, along the Schuylkill.
"There are great opportunities for boat and bike rentals," Sorrentino said.
Some attendees, such as College sophomore Will Weiss, were eager for Penn's plans to be implemented.
"Penn needs to promote their development along the Schuylkill more so that campus extends to the east as well as the west," Weiss said.
