Forty-six volunteers removed 61 bags of litter from Pennypack Park on March 26 during the first monthly cleanup event of the year hosted by the Friends of Pennypack Park.
On the fourth Saturday of each month from March through November, the Friends group cleans up a different area of the park. Last month, volunteers worked along Holme Avenue in the areas of Nazareth Hospital and Holme Circle, as well as nearby Winchester Avenue. Although there didn’t appear to be much trash on the ground at first glance, volunteers scoured the woods and emerged with a truckload of debris.
In addition to the bagged trash, they removed 1 1/2 bags of recyclable cans and many larger items, such as two car tires, part of a shopping cart, pieces of bed frame, a hanging basket, seven pillows, a beer bong, ceiling tile, pipe insulation, part of a TV, part of a bumper, a hubcap, a chunk of concrete, a telescoping pole and plywood. They also removed some reusable items including a snow shovel, two dozen plastic eating utensils still inside the box, various articles of clothing and sports equipment.
Many volunteers used the event as a family outing. Participants included seven members of the Calhoun-Cruz family, four members of the Schempp family, three members of the Hiegl family, three members of the Kelly family and two members of the McDowell family. Representatives from the FOPP’s trees and trails committee and from the Holme Circle Civic Association helped out, as did representatives from St. John Lutheran Church, MaST Charter School, Father Judge High School, Boy Scout Troop 252 and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Friends group will return to the park for the annual Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, April 23. Volunteers should meet at 10 a.m. at the park entrance on Rhawn Street near Holmehurst Avenue, also known as the Little City parking lot.
Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy, comfortable footwear. They may consider bringing sunblock and bug repellent. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tools, refreshments and snacks will be supplied. The rain date is Sunday, April 24. Call 215–934-PARK or email to [email protected] to learn about any late postponements. ••
