PHOTOS: What's with all those bouys floating on the Schuylkill River?
Their purpose is deeper than you might think
by Thom Carroll PhillyVoice Contributor
You might’ve already seen them. Those multi-colored bouys either floating on or sticking out of the surface of the Schuylkill River. If you're wondering what they are, you’ve come to the right place.
Those bouys are part of an initiative from Mural Arts Philadelphia and Bartram’s Garden in collaboration with artist Stacy Levy. The installation entitled "Tide Field" consists of nearly 250 strands of tri-colored spheres installed in 11 different locations on the Schuylkill River.
The bouys become more or less visible depending on the depth of the water due to the river's tidal changes.
“Tide Field is creatively using art to connect people to the river and enhance their awareness, understanding, and experience of the river and its surrounding landscape,” said Andrew Johnson, program director for watershed protection at the William Penn Foundation. “Our hope is that people leave with a greater appreciation for the value of clean water and feel inspired to play a part in protecting it."
The installation will be removed in November and recycled into future projects.
In addition to Tide Field, Levy also installed six wooden boat-like structures in Bartram’s Garden and along the Bartram’s Mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail entitled "River Rooms."
These give people a place to sit, contemplate and experience the nature of the river and surroundings, similar to what those who fish along the banks experience – except the fishing isn’t required.
Below are additional photos of "Tide Field" and "River Rooms."