Proposals sought for new Inner Harbor attractions

The Baltimore Development Corp. is seeking proposals for new on-water attractions for the Inner Harbor, possibly replacing the dragon boats.

The request for proposals, released Thursday, encompasses two docks, located on either side of the World Trade Center, along the Inner Harbor. The docks are currently operated by Living Classrooms Foundation, which runs dragon boat and paddle boat rides from one of the docks. The second dock is unstable and not in use.

The BDC is seeking new attractions and operators as the Living Classroom Foundation’s contract comes to an end.

It was not clear Thursday whether the education nonprofit intended to reapply to continue operating its water boats. The organization did not respond to a request for comment.

Future attractions “may include active participation by the public in physical movement or travel and may include water features,” according to the request for proposals.

Proposals should be for attractions that will be open, at minimum, during the city’s April through October tourist season, the BDC said in the request. The BDC said it is especially interested in proposals for attractions that could be ready to operate by June 1 of next year.

Proposals are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 1. The BDC expects to award the contract late this year or early in 2017.