Philadelphia residents - especially those in Roxborough and Manayunk - are calling for immediate and consistent enforcement of existing laws to stop unlawful swim parties, dangerous behavior, and massive trash dumping in the Wissahickon Creek.  

For several years now, large groups of visitors have been engaging in environmentally destructive and unlawful behavior along the Wissahickon Creek.  While these gatherings occur at multiple points along its several-mile stretch, Devil's Pool has become a particular hotspot for large, unauthorized swim parties, drawing hundreds of people each month who leave behind massive amounts of garbage, food and alcohol containers, and even piles of toxic human waste. 
These gatherings involve hundreds of people swimming in the water, blasting loud music, and engaging in illegal open-flame barbequing. Participants haul in chairs, umbrellas, coolers, grills, and other bulky outdoor equipment - most of which is abandoned and left behind, adding to the growing piles of trash and debris littering the park and the creek. 
  
This problem was widely reported in the news as far back as 2020, yet the situation has continued to escalate because there has been no enforcement of the law and no fines issued for violations. Many of these groups frequently post photos and videos on social media platforms - including Facebook and TikTok - showcasing their unauthorized activities and providing directions that encourage even more people to join them. 

These activities are not harmless. They are unlawful, unsafe, and environmentally destructive. They violate park regulations, threaten public health and safety, endanger wildlife habitats, and cause severe, potentially irreversible damage to one of Philadelphia's most historic and fragile natural spaces. 

What We Are Demanding from Philadelphia City Council
We, the undersigned, urge Philadelphia City Council to take immediate action by:

1. Enforcing existing laws that prohibit swimming, open-flame barbequing, littering, and large unauthorized gatherings in the Wissahickon Creek. 
2. Increasing enforcement presence in known hotspots along the creek.
3. Removing individuals participating in illegal swimming and disorderly conduct.
4. Issuing substantial fines for violations — not warnings, not verbal reminders, but real financial penalties that deter repeat offenders.
5. Installing clearer signage at entry points and problem areas to reinforce that swimming and open-flame barbequing are prohibited and subject to fines.
6. Coordinating with Parks & Recreation, the Police Department, and environmental organizations to ensure consistent enforcement and public awareness.

Existing Fines That Are Not Being Enforced
The Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation & The Department of Public Safety already outline clear penalties for the very behaviors occurring at Devil’s Pool and along the Wissahickon Creek : 

1. Swimming in the river: $300 fine per offense
2. Open‑flame barbequing in wooded areas: Class II Safety Violation — $300–$1,000 fine per offense
3. Noise violations : a. (portable speakers, loud radios) : $100–$1,000 per offense, increasing for repeat violations b. Vehicle‑based “Boom Parties”: $2,000 fine per offense
4. Littering and dumping garbage: $50–$5,000 per item.

These fines already exist - but without enforcement, they have no impact. Applying these penalties consistently is essential to stopping the ongoing destruction of the Wissahickon Creek.

Why Fines Are Necessary
The same groups return week after week because there are no consequences. Warnings alone do not work. To protect the creek, the City must actively enforce the law and issue fines that make it clear this behavior will not be tolerated. Enforcement of the law and hefty fines are the only meaningful deterrent to stop repeat offenders and preserve the Wissahickon for everyone.

The Wissahickon Belongs to All of Us
This park is a sanctuary for thousands of Philadelphians — a place for hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, and quiet reflection. It should not be overrun by illegal activity that puts people at risk and harms the environment.

We are asking City Council to act now, enforce the laws already in place, and protect the Wissahickon Creek before the damage becomes irreversible.

Sign this petition to demand enforcement, accountability, and protection for the Wissahickon Creek.

Our city deserves safe, clean, and respected natural spaces.