Author: Ari Kessler

Over the past few weeks we have noticed and heard from the Clark Park community about some of the trash collection issues around the park. We wanted to reach and ensure that the users of Clark Park know that the Friends of Clark Park are aware of the issue and have been working closely with the city to try to rectify the situation.

Last night the Friends of Clark Park board held our regular monthly meeting.  In addition to board members, Patty-Pat Koslowski, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PP&R) Stewardship Coordinator attended, and we spent over an hour with her talking about trash, staffing, events, and other problems in Clark Park.   She proved (as she often does) to be not only a font of information but also to have good insights into our issues.

While two SMA (Seasonal Maintenance Associate) positions were assigned to Clark Park, one of the two quit earlier in the summer. Our remaining SMA is working Monday through Friday and a weekend replacement is being sought, but the process is a bit difficult including three background checks required by city and state regulations.   In the meantime trash has been a bit of a problem, but a PP&R crew will begin Tuesday, August 22 to make extra cleanup efforts.  In short, the trash issues have been reported to PP&R and we are continuing to with PP&R leadership to find a solution; please be patient.

We also discussed responses to numerous other issues ongoing in the park including the growing homeless community and influx of large events. We have notified Project H.O.M.E. (a homeless support group) about the issue and are expecting quick resolution. We will continue to work with local organizations to make the park experience the best possible and please continue to let us know any issues you may have.

We wanted to share the great news that Clark Park was voted Best of Philly for 2017. We knew our electic and loveable park was amazing, but it is great to be recognized for all that we have to offer. Thank you for everyone who has made this such a great place to spend time.

http://www.phillymag.com/best-of-philly/awards/park/

Please join the Friends of Clark Park in celebrating our beloved park, members and community at the fifth annual Friends of Clark Park Party in the Park on Saturday, May 20th from 4-8pm as part of Philadelphia’s citywide Love Your Park week. All are welcome to this free event in the park! Rain or shine, with food, music, games and camaraderie, we’ll toast West Philly’s civic commons together. This family friendly, casual event is a perfect chance to enjoy a spring evening in the park, grabbing delicious food truck eats, sips from Dock Street Brewery while greeting neighbors and looking forward to all that the park will bring in 2017.

Why are we doing this? The purpose of Party in the Park is for the whole community to celebrate West Philly’s sacred green heart. That’s why it’s free! To hold this community event, we needed supporters. Sponsors making this event possible for the community and keeping the Friends advocating for and stewarding the park in 2017 include the Fairmount Park Conservancy, University City District, University of the Sciences, U3 Ventures, University City Review and Urban & Bye Realtors. In addition to the sponsors, it is the members of the Friends of Clark Park that keep advocacy for and stewardship of the park relevant and funded year after year. Clark Park has many fans, but always needs more friends. Join us at the party as a member to show your love for the park.

For more details please see: FLYER

A big thank you to everyone who turned out for our latest Members Meeting this Monday to discuss the new PP&R dog policy.

A quick recap of the policy is below:

In January PP&R organized a city-wide workshop for park friends’ groups; PP&R has developed a comprehensive set of regulations applying to all parks.  Some of these are laws, some regulations, some simply practices or guidelines.   Many of the problems have developed in other parks; these are not issues that have come up specifically about Clark Park.

 

Philadelphia City Law is that all dogs must be on 6-foot leashes, but not something the police department will enforce; neither is PP&R staffed to enforce this law.   The best response to this situation is to have no problems; dog owners form a community that can police itself.   We expect dog owners to know what is working in the park and what is not.

 

In 2004-2006 we had two interest groups come forward: one to build a dog run and another to create a dog-free zone around the tot lot.  We (narrowly) voted down both proposals.  PP&R has dog runs in some parks, and PP&R will endorse such if there is strong community support, but PP&R will not maintain the facility, staff it, or provide funding. PP&R could also establish a dog-free zone in the park and will provide signage to do so.

 

PP&R also reminds all dog owners that there is also a law requiring licenses ($16 for neutered/spayed dogs and $40 for “natural” dogs), which also require appropriate vaccinations (rabies, etc.).  Registration can also help if a dog gets lost.

 

Designated organization for low-level problems is Philly Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) at www.phillyacct.org or 267-385-3800.   Advantage is they are open 7 days a week (unlike PP&R) for finding lost dogs, conflicts between owners or animals.

 

Higher-level problems can be handled by the police department through 911.  These would include attacks upon a person or property (including dogs) including personal injury or death.

It was a great discussion covering a wide variety of opinions and experiences. While some noted that there have occasionally been incidents where dog owners interfeared with the Youth Soccer League or out of control of their animals in the bowl, most speakers seemed to feel that things are working fairly well and most people (owners & non-owners alike) are being responsible.

Great suggestions were made for ways that we can improve the community that will merit further discussion and research. These ranged from a new Facebook group for dog owners, to adding additional signage focused on “good dog behavior” and establishing limits to dogs by the tot lot, to proposing a dog run. It was also noted as a reminder that  for dog owners who want to use a dog run that there is a private dog run nearby at 48^th and Chester. (Another owner noted that currently there is no waiting list to join, it costs $65/year, and the group will meet next Monday April 29 at Calvary Church.)

Frank Chance added that the FoCP Planning Committee would put signage on its agenda and will announce its next meeting via Facebook and the web site.   We will also consider adding more doggie bag distribution points.

On a final note, if there are ways that FoCP can help the dog owners become more organized, including appointing one or more to the Board, we are happy to look into it.