Why we don’t like vehicles in Clark Park

Sometimes people wonder why we ask them not to drive in Clark Park.  An event this weekend provides a simple answer.

This event used a large stage in the Bowl for their presentation.   To bring the stage in, they used a large tractor – the kind used to pull an 18-wheeler truck.  Not only did they use it to pull the stage in, they left it in the Bowl during their presentation. Here’s the proof, in  photo taken during the event.

What you don’t see in that photo of the truck is the ruts it left in the sides of the bowl.  The worst of them are shown in the following photos, taken during the event by one of our members.

 

It will take months for these ruts to heal on their own, and a good deal of effort to repair them sooner.  In the meantime they are a tripping hazard for anyone walking in the bowl area as well as an eyesore.

I’m sure the organizers would be upset if someone drove a car through their front yards and left ruts like these. What I don’t understand is why they think they can abuse the park, a kind of “front yard” for the whole community.   We can only hope they pay more attention to the regulations on their permit next time.

Frank L. Chance, Secretary, The Friends of Clark Park.

Honoring Those Who Have Served – Friends of Clark Park Veterans Day Commemoration

Troop 152 Boy Scouts display the flag, Veterans Day Commemoration, November 2016.

Saturday, November 11 – 11:00 am – at the Gettysburg Stone in Clark Park, near 44th and Baltimore Ave.

Please join the Friends of Clark Park, students of the HMS School and the Boy Scouts in honoring all those who have served in the Armed Forces.  Featured will be Temple Professor Anthony “Andy” Waskie, a historian who re-enacts the deeds of General George G. Meade.   All are welcome.

Are you a veteran?  If so, we would like to recognize and honor you. Please email your name and phone number to frbyers@aol.com.

West Philly African & Caribbean Multicultural Festival (WestPac Fest)

ethiopia flagPalms Solutions, The African Diaspora Global Initiative in collaboration with the Friends of Clark Park (FOCP) and the Mayor’s Commission on African & Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, is hosting the kick off of its annual “West Philly African & Caribbean Multicultural Festival (Westpac Fest)” event on October 17th, 2015, featuring Ethiopia and Mali. The celebration is an opportunity to experience Philadelphia’s vibrant and growing African and Caribbean immigrant population.

flag maliThe goal of WestPac Fest is to break down the cultural and ethnic barriers among communities in West Philly, promote a friendly, and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, and together build a place where diversity is recognized and valued.

This year‘s celebration is a tribute to the late Ms. Frances P. Aulston, President and CEO of the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and the Paul Robeson House. Among other great achievements, “Ms. Aulston was instrumental in bringing about the preservation of the last residence of Paul Robeson, a legendary artist, scholar, athlete, activist, and humanitarian”.

 Join the celebration on Saturday, October 17th from 2 to 6 pm, in Clark Park (North Park “Plaza”)!

Farmers’ Market Is Open For Popin’

FarmersmarketpopePope Francis has not yet responded to the invitation by FRIENDS OF CLARK PARK to visit the Farmers’ Market this Saturday, but we remain hopeful.

Even if the Pope does not make it, though, the Food Trust Farmers’ Market will still be running from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday as usual. And it will be considerably less crowded than Center City. So come on out, pick up your produce and treats, and enjoy the weather.

Welcome to the Beergarden!

Clark_Park_Flyer_Big_TypeHow the beergarden works; if you are a new or renewing member who reups at the party, your first Dock Street beer is free; $3 thereafter. Nonmembers’ beer is $5. So you don’t have to join to enjoy!

Membership levels: Patron = $50 (2 votes/tickets), Household = $25 (2 votes/tickets), Individuals = $20, Student/Senior/Limited Income = $10.