Southwest Philly residents take first step in reclaiming park

Today marks the first step in reclaiming an unused Southwest Philadelphia park.

But while this park has been cut off to public access for some time, it’s not exactly a forgotten parcel.

Squirrel Hill Falls Park at 48th Street and Chester Avenue opened with a whole lot of fanfare in 1996, as West Philly Local reports. But it seems the artist behind the park’s drastic makeover got a little protective of the wooded haven.

 

For years, a bike lock has kept the public from accessing the solar-powered waterfall, mural and benches in the pocket park. Turns out the artist isn’t the owner, so Friends Rehabilitation Program Inc. (the owner) will help neighbors gain access today for a cleanup.

Anyone who wants to help can stop by between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. with their garbage bags and garden disposal bags.