Twenty-nine volunteers collected 33 bags of litter during the annual Earth Day cleanup organized by the Friends of Pennypack Park on April 23.
Rain forced a one-day postponement of the event, but that didn’t deter the dedicated volunteers who donated a combined 81 hours of labor to the cause. The workers focused their efforts on the Little City section of the park near Rhawn Street and Holmehurst Avenue.
In addition to the 33 trash bags of litter, volunteers collected one bagful of recyclable cans. Some of the more interesting pieces of debris removed from the landscape included three unopened bottles of malt brewed tea, a working umbrella, a dining room chair frame, a lawn chair, a decorative lawn flag, an American flag, six plastic Easter eggs, an office chair, sunglasses, a couple of old shoes, basketball shorts, a doll head, a hubcap and a youth baseball uniform.
In addition to snacks and refreshments, each volunteer received a commemorative button pin designed by FOPP member Roland Williams. Each year, Williams designs a button featuring a sketch of a bird species native to the area. This year’s buttons depicted a spotted sandpiper.
The FOPP will continue to hold monthly cleanup events throughout the spring, summer and fall. The next will happen on Saturday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sandy Run park entrance along Ryan Avenue near Austin Meehan Middle School. In addition to litter removal, volunteers will use Philadelphia Water Department stencils to mark storm drains with an anti-pollution message.
The cleanup is free to attend and open to the public. Volunteers may qualify for community service hours. They should wear long pants and sleeves, as well as sturdy but comfortable footwear. Sunscreen and bug repellent are recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The FOPP will provide tools, refreshments and snacks. Call 215–934-PARK or email info@friendsofpennypackpark.org for information. ••
