Progress Made, But the Fight Isn't Over.

Today, the petition has nearly 1,800 signatures. 

Since it began almost four weeks ago, the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Philadelphia Police Department have been consistently and actively patrolling Wissahickon Valley Park - informing visitors of park rules and the potential fines for violations. 

While there are still sporadic, scattered small groups who continue prohibited and environmentally destructive behavior - whether out of ignorance or intentional disregard - the efforts of Park Rangers and Police have produced a significant improvement. I would estimate a ninety-percent reduction in the amount of partying along the Wissahickon Creek. 

This reduction has directly decreased the amount of trash and litter in the area. If this progress continues, we will be on our way to reclaiming the Wissahickon and protecting the Creek from further pollution. 

Over the past week and a half, I have visited the park multiple times - mostly to obtain scenic photographs of the Wissahickon for a project related to this petition, showcasing the beauty of the area when it is treated with respect. Although I have seen small groups tucked away in obscure areas from Lincoln Drive to Bells Mill Road, the decrease in large gatherings has restored peace to the park, making hiking and walking enjoyable again. 

Over the last two weekends, I've seen more people in the community enjoying hiking, cycling, and walking - not only on Forbidden Drive, but on the Orange and White Trails - than I have seen in a very long time. Because of the efforts of Park Rangers and Police, residents of Philadelphia are finally beginning to enjoy the park again. 

I have also witnessed Park Rangers and Police present and in action, stationed throughout the park, refusing to compromise and politely - yet firmly - informing visitors of park rules as they arrive, making it explicitly clear that the consequences for violations would include removal, and fines. 

Yesterday, I came across a group of about twenty plus people swimming at Devil's Pool despite the clear presence of Park Rangers and Police in the area. The group was visible and audible from Forbidden Drive, where another ten or so people had gathered to observe from a distance. I took a photo from Forbidden Drive for documentation and chose to leave the situation to the Rangers and Police, as I am almost certain that other hikers and cyclists had already alerted them.  Since I would not be able to capture any scenic photographs in that area due to the crowd, I bypassed the Orange and White Trails and continued my hike along Forbidden Drive instead. I also noticed two small groups near the Livezey and Magarge Dams, though I did not stay long enough to see whether anyone was swimming. With more areas being crowded and disrupted, I walked the length of Forbidden Drive to Bells Mill, stopping briefly in Valley Green to photograph the ducks, geese, flowers and plants. I had hoped to capture a variety of birds and turtles, but the chaos had sent the turtles into hiding, and the birds were difficult to photograph. 

Autumn is approaching and the weather will soon be too chilly for swimming or parties.  Fishermen will be gathering for Fall trout stocking, and many have expressed how Opening Day - and the entire spring and summer season - was ruined for them by the swim parties. We hope to provide them with a peaceful, quiet environment where they can enjoy their hobby a few more times before winter arrives. 

Although it appears we have accomplished one of the goals outlined in our petition, the fight is not over. We are looking ahead to next spring and summer, hoping that by then, the issue of large unlawful gatherings and environmentally destructive behavior will have come to a permanent end.  If not, we will continue to fight until it does. 

We are deeply grateful to the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Philadelphia Police Department, who have gone above and beyond - despite limited manpower and major personnel adjustments - throughout these past four weeks. Because of their efforts, the community can begin to enjoy Wissahickon Valley Park again. 

Less partying means less trash - and less trash creates a more hospitable habitat for wildlife. The Creek, though already suffering from pollution, can finally begin to recover from the additional strain that these unlawful gatherings have directly caused.  As the area heals, the park can once again show off its beauty and majesty as nature intended. 

Hikers can hike. Cyclists can cycle. Fishermen can fish. Runners can run. Birders can observe. Photographers can photograph.  The community can breathe again and enjoy the Wissahickon as the peaceful refuge it was meant to be. 

Let us stand in solidarity as a community and continue to circulate this petition, so that next year we are not robbed of the solitude and beauty the Wissahickon is meant to provide for all of us. 

Photo:  Geese and ducks at Valley Green, Sunday, 6 September.