Philadelphians will have an opportunity to explore the city’s coastline by land and by sea on September 20, in what will be a full day of festivities during Southeastern Pennsylvania Coast Day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Walnut Plaza at Penn’s Landing.

Visitors on this last unofficial Saturday of summer will be welcomed at 20 or more tents offering free water-themed activities along with face painting, make-and-take crafts, music and more. They will also have an opportunity to get a “duck’s-eye” view of the Delaware River aboard a Ride the Ducks amphibious vehicle.

It is all part of a free festival sponsored by the Philadelphia Water Department, Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program, DuPont Clear into the Future, and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.

“The Partnership is especially proud of the way this festival has taken off in recent years,” said Lisa Wool, program director at the PDE. “Not only do families have a great time, they also gain a new appreciation for Pennsylvania’s coastal waterways, including the tidal Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.”

In the spirit of Coast Day, three neighboring institutions will be offering free or discounted programs to the public. The closest of these is the Independence Seaport Museum, which is offering reduced admission of just $5 per person on Saturday. A free shuttle bus will also be available to carry festival goers roundtrip from Walnut Plaza to two other riverside attractions.

The shuttle’s first stop is at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Schuylkill River and America’s first water utility. Incidentally, anglers are welcome to board the shuttle bus once they have finished competing in the PWD’s Philly Fun Fishing Fest from 7 a.m. to noon along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

The shuttle will also make stops at the American Philosophical Society Museum, where visitors can pick up a map before departing on a self-guided walking tour of Dock Creek. At one time, this tidal stream flowed right through the heart of Independence Mall, but it has since been forced underground by two centuries of development.

For a limited time, however, Philadelphians can walk its original course thanks to sculptures and knowledgeable interpreters stationed at six locations, each of which features a different hands-on activity.

To learn more, visit the Southeastern Pennsylvania Coast Day webpage or call 800- 445-4935, ext. 106.

8/29/2008