Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River could soon undergo a transformation with the introduction of the West Philly Waterfront project by the University City District (UCD). This initiative, situated adjacent to 30th Street Station, aims to inject energy into the city’s landscape through a mix of recreational and entertainment offerings.

Spanning the area between Chestnut and Market Streets along Schuylkill Avenue, the West Philly Waterfront is envisioned to encompass features like a beach, a slide, a public pool, and an entertainment venue. UCD’s proposal emphasizes practicality, with plans for swimming classes, lifeguard training, and swim meets complemented by natural landscaping and shaded areas for comfort during warmer months.

“The time is right for a bold vision to further enhance our connection to the Schuylkill River,” states District President Matt Bergheiser. “Now is the time to think with great aspiration about a new iconic space to connect the waterfront to the dynamic growth of University City, and to make it accessible for all Philadelphians.”

$60M Project Could Revitalize West Philly Waterfront

However, the realization of this vision depends on securing funding. With a projected cost of $60 million, UCD is actively seeking partners to support the project. “Once fundraising is complete, we anticipate a roughly 3-year process to conduct community engagement, make tweaks to the design, secure the needed permits and approvals, and complete construction,” says Director of Marketing and Communications Chris Richman. “Right now, we’re specifically focused on raising the funds for a robust community engagement process, which will be critical to the project’s success.”

Bergheiser draws parallels to past successes such as The Porch at 30th Street, envisioning the West Philly Waterfront as a catalyst for urban renewal. Through innovative design and inclusive programming, the project seeks to revitalize the area while stimulating economic activity in the surrounding vicinity.

The project’s timeline remains undisclosed, yet the University City District asserts it will serve as a beacon for Philadelphia’s future beyond 2026. Anticipating a surge of visitors for the U.S. semiquincentennial, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game, Philadelphia braces for a transformative era.

“The park would help draw in tourists and residents alike, and bring additional traffic to businesses in the area,” Richman emphasizes.

Collaborating with the University City District on the project’s planning are AECOM, Digsau, the Collaborative, and Bio Habitats Inc.

Positioned as a gateway to University City, the project aligns with the area’s burgeoning development, fueled by growth at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and the city’s thriving life sciences industry.

Photo Credits: AECOM

Here at Pool Magazine, we’re accustomed to exploring innovations within the pool industry. However, every now and then, a development in the broader realm of home technology catches our attention. The latest buzz? PaintCam Eve, an AI-equipped surveillance and security camera equipped to fire paintballs and tear gas at unwanted intruders in the backyard.

Living in the age of missing Amazon packages and porch pirates, one can suppose it was only a matter of time before someone proposed a device such as PaintCam Eve. The inventors, a Slovenia-based company called OZ-IT, state that their AI device is an effective deterrent for several reasons.

For one, the threat of being struck by a paintball can serve as a powerful visual deterrent to potential intruders, discouraging them from attempting to trespass or commit crimes on the property. Secondly, paintballs are considered non-lethal projectiles, making them a safer option for deterring intruders without risking serious injury or fatalities. Additionally, the paint splatter left behind by a fired paintball can serve as a unique identifier for law enforcement to track and identify intruders, aiding in their apprehension and prosecution.

According to promotional materials, this autonomous monitoring device boasts motion detection, facial recognition, and a “zero compliance, zero tolerance” policy towards potential threats.

While still in concept mode, the device already has pool professionals talking about the ramifications of such a product actually making its way to the backyard.

“As individuals who frequently visit customers’ homes to perform pool maintenance, service pros prioritize safety above all else. The prospect of encountering an AI surveillance system armed with paintball or teargas projectiles introduces a significant safety risk,” said Pool Magazine Editor, Joe Trusty.

The company claims that Eve’s “EVA” AI system will prevent innocent bystanders from becoming collateral damage. Supposedly, designated individuals can pass by unscathed thanks to facial recognition technology. But one can’t help but wonder about the potential margin for error. Will Eve truly be able to accurately distinguish between friend and foe in the heat of the moment? And what happens if it doesn’t?

It’s also worth noting that the details regarding Eve’s operation are somewhat murky. While the promotional video showcases both automatic and manual screening capabilities, there’s a distinct lack of clarity regarding how pre-authorized visitors will be identified. Will visitors need to submit to 3D facial scans? And how can we be sure that such technology won’t perpetuate existing biases, particularly when it comes to racial profiling?

Furthermore, the different tiers of PaintCam Eve raise additional questions. The basic version offers little more than “smart security” and on/off app capabilities, while the Pro model boasts facial recognition. What about the teargas feature? How much extra will homeowners need to shell out for that dubious privilege?

As of now, OZ-IT’s Kickstarter campaign is set to launch on April 23, with no concrete release date in sight. While the allure of security gadgetry may be enticing for some, skeptics already predict a laundry list of problems that could arise ranging from unintended injuries resulting from friendly fire, to potential lawsuits from anyone mistakenly identified as an intruder and attacked by the device.

In the vast expanse of a desert, where one might least expect it, emerged an extraordinary sight: a colossal 50-meter-long inflatable pool. This fantastical creation was the brainchild of artist Cj Hendry, whose penchant for turning wild visions into reality knows no bounds.

A Popup Public Pool in the Desert

Known as Public Pool, this remarkable installation graced the Las Vegas landscape from April 4 to April 7, dazzling all who encountered it with its flamboyant charm. Adorned with hot pink flamingos, neon inflatables, and vibrant floral patterns, Public Pool beckoned visitors into a realm of extravagance and whimsy.

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A post shared by Cj Hendry (@cj_hendry)

To commemorate this exuberant exhibition, a curated selection of limited-edition drawings and collectibles, including beach towels, floaties, and hats, are now available for purchase at CjHendryStudio.com, allowing enthusiasts to capture a piece of the magic for themselves.

When asked about her artistic perspective, Hendry emphasized her commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions. Grounded in the captivating allure of hyperrealism, her work blurs the lines between reality and the surreal, inviting viewers into immersive experiences infused with humor and delight.

The genesis of Public Pool stemmed from Hendry’s contemplation of communal spaces and recreation. Seeking to create an immersive environment that transcended the ordinary, she envisioned a playful juxtaposition of scale and nature. The result? A Las Vegas pool party set amidst the desert landscape, where the unexpected becomes the norm and every detail ignites a sense of wonder.

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A post shared by Cj Hendry (@cj_hendry)

The whimsical and interactive promotional campaign surrounding Public Pool was born from a desire to encapsulate the exhibition’s vibrancy and playfulness. It was a testament to Hendry’s spontaneity, aiming to evoke joy and curiosity in audiences through dynamic engagement.

Hendry’s favorite aspect of Public Pool lies in its ability to blur the lines between reality and illusion. From the sheer audacity of a desert pool party to the intricate details of the artwork, every element is crafted to provoke awe and fascination, inviting visitors to lose themselves in a world of enchantment.

Ultimately, Hendry hopes that Public Pool serves as a catalyst for a childlike sense of wonder and exploration. Whether basking in the pool’s embrace or marveling at the intricacies of her art, she aims to inspire viewers to see the world through fresh eyes, infused with newfound inspiration and vitality.

Featured Photo Credit: Cj Hendry