In 2005, Sasaki Associates, Boston, provided a Development Plan to RiverPlace Development Corporation focused on the Schuylkill River waterfront in Reading. The planning study recommended several design initiatives seen as key to the successful long term development of the river’s edge. One of these was a public boardwalk and nature trail. K&KA was selected to provide the initial design and planning work and a conceptual design was developed as a component of the Greater Reading Schuylkill Riverfront Development Master Plan.

The “West Shore Boardwalk” is a project commissioned by RiverPlace to create a network of paths and public spaces located on the western bank of the Schuylkill River between the Penn Street Bridge and the Reading Area Community College (RACC) Pedestrian Bridge. The project completes a pedestrian and bicycle loop with Reading’s eastern bank of the Schuylkill River, West Reading, and the Wyomissing Creek Trail. Included in the project are numerous amenities, such as public plaza space, elevated boardwalks and piers with seating and lighting, observation landings, nature trail, new native landscaping, and way-faring and educational signage about the river.

Large scale civic statuary depicting William Penn as he stands atop Philadelphia City Hall is planned for the Base of the Penn Street bridge to reinforce the sense of arrival to the city gateway. A billboard advertising Berks Packing Company with their iconic “Berks” logo and smiling mascot Grillmore Frank is situated along the Route 422 off-ramp and riverfront; intended to merge the distinctions and connections of county region and city center. The urban recreational destination is designed to stimulate and support economic development, providing the community with a cultural asset of enduring value. The project is divided into five phases expected to be completed in five years.