DN Editorial: May the best duck boat win

WE'LL BE HONEST: We think of tourists quacking through the streets of Old City as they ride motorized duck boats down to the Delaware as we do the noisy, somewhat embarrassing side of the family with whom we just spent part of Thursday.

So we were not thrilled at the prospect of the duck boats bringing their act uptown, to bleat their way up Ben Franklin Parkway and into the Schuylkill, although the change is undoubtedly a safer, more attractive option for the ride than continuing on the Delaware.

We didn't like the done-deal feeling about the city's plans to move the boats, or the prospect of carving out a trench across the recreation path to get the boats into the river. This had the potential for disrupting the distinct experience of the river trail. The beauty and unique aspects of a site should shape the tourism experience, not the other way around.

So we're glad that the process has now been opened up, with the city seeking a range of proposals from other companies to operate an amphibious ride on the Schuylkill, with no predetermined location for the boats to enter the water. Now, the city may select from a range of options and pick the one that benefits the most. May the best duck win. *