Swan boats, other summer activities on tap for the Delaware River waterfront

This bevy of swan boats is ready for the Delaware River.

This will be the second year the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has offered swan boats for rent, along with kayaks, at the Penn’s Landing Marina.

Last year, DRWC leased the bird boats. They proved very popular, so DRWC spent $10,000 to purchase 13 of the pedal-powered boats, used. Repairs and cosmetic fixes were made over the winter, and the swans are now ready for the season, which begins May 19.

Jodie Milkman, DRWC vice president for marketing, programming, and corporate partnership, said the swans aren’t a money-making venture. They are a way to get more people – including those not ready for a kayak – onto the water.

From noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from May 19 to September 16, swans can be rented for $5 per person and kayaks for $8 per person. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Hidden River Outfitters sponsor this supervised activity.

At last week’s DRWC meeting, Milkman and DRWC Board Member and Programming Committee Chairwoman Diane Dalto Woosnam gave a report on winter activities and a preview of the boat rentals and other summer events, including concerts, fireworks and the Race Street Pier Promenade. (see the video for more details)

Among the highlights of winter activities: 1,300 city school kids learned to skate at the Blue Cross River Rink through the Great Skates program. They were also given passes to come all season for free.   There is capacity to get more kids on the ice next year, Woosnam said. DRWC is looking for donations to cover the cost, she said – $1,000 pays for one class of students.