With the closing of the Boardwalk in the Strip District, the opportunities for true riverfront dining from the Golden Triangle are -- well -- nonexistent.

So to get the discussion going on how to address this hole in the region's push to make our rivers friendlier, more accessible and a source of entertainment, the Post-Gazette features department has come up with some ideas of their own.

Warning: These have not been vetted by federal, state or local officials -- or the Riverlife Task Force for that matter -- for fear that may be dismissed as unworkable, illegal and generally unacceptable. We wanted to start the conversation first, and leave the fretting for later.

And while these are our ideas, we'd be glad to hear yours. Let us know what you think would -- and wouldn't -- work for dining on and along Downtown's rivers, and we'll share them with readers on Sunday, July 6. Your proposals must be submitted to magazine@post-gazette.com by next Sunday, June 22.

If New York can have Tavern on the Green in Central Park, Pittsburgh should be able to manage a floating Tavern at the Point.

There used to be a boat tied up at the Mon Wharf almost under the Smithfield Street Bridge. The Wharf provided ample parking, and it was free after 4 p.m. During the days, you just walked down the steps from the Smithfield Street Bridge. Let's try that again. (See above for an artist's rendering of this idea.)

The David Lawrence Convention Center has a perfect spot for riverfront dining -- right at the base of its cascading fountain. Right now, there are three long benches but nothing else. The sidewalk along the riverfront could be widened to allow room for tables, wide umbrellas and chairs that would be brought out daily on nice weather days. Light food offerings could be provided from a cart on wheels. Because the area floods, everything would need to be portable. But the view is worth it.

The river walk that encloses Point State Park and continues east along the Allegheny is the perfect site for a stroll, but at the moment, not much else . While a permanent restaurant, probably on a barge, would be a wonderful addition to that stretch of water, even better would be inexpensive options like food trucks, or a small cafe serving prepared foods. They would attract visitors, downtown workers, people visiting the stadiums across the river, or just those looking for a beautiful place to take a walk.

There has been discussion about closing the Roberto Clemente Bridge permanently and adding kiosks and the like, but how about this as an alternative: Suspend a glass-enclosed building underneath, on both ends out of the way of river traffic, so that diners could eat above the river.