In 1928, General Harry Trexler hired famed landscape architect, J. Franklin Meehan, to design Lehigh Parkway as
a creek centered park. A defender of the current neglect, masquerading as conservation, accused me of wanting the park to look like a golf course. As it turns out, park planner Franklin Meehan, is mostly known as a golf course architect. The General wanted the creek totally accessible, both visually and physically, for the citizens of Allentown. Shown above, in the photograph circa 1950, is the picnic island with connecting bridge, and part of the boat landing. Over forty years ago a former park director took the bridge away, and the island is now overgrown. Also years ago, the boat landing was intentionally buried. This blog advocates to defend what remains of the traditional Lehigh Parkway, as a creek centered park for the people.
The entire hillside appears planted in pines?
ReplyDelete@6:38, if you scan down to my first post yesterday, The Boat Landing,the 50's postcard, you see the auto bridge on the left side. this photograph was taken from that bridge.
ReplyDeleteEven then it was silting-up, or so it wouldt appear?
ReplyDeleteLast night Parkway visitors had to cover their noses as they walked near the Bogert's Bridge as odors were overwhelming.
ReplyDelete@7:33, my guess would be algae. the later silt build up was accelerated by tires, probably put there intentionally, by the same park director who took away the bridge, boat landing, trexler green house, etc. etc.
ReplyDeleteThe smell of raw sewage courtesy of the good folks at LCA & the City of Allentown. Now working together, for all your water needs.
ReplyDelete149 Apartment units on four acres just off the intersection of MLK Blvd. and Lehigh Parkway East above the Boat Landing? That may just be the kiss of death for that battered little bridge. It will sure cut down on that pesky Parkway wildlife.
ReplyDeleteAt 7:33
ReplyDeleteLooks like a sandbar forming. Alge does form atop moving water.
@11:55, the island was created by digging the channel on the bridge side, the water consequently moved much slower. the sandbars which grew on both ends of the island are well documented. you can see algae on slow moving water, such as muhlenberg lake, the reflective ponds at the rose garden, and various other examples, especially in warm weather.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with ya. A Creek Centered Park. Every decession should be made based on what is best --- healthiest --- for this extraordinary stream. Regardless of fashion trends, then or now. Regardless of taste, yours or mine. Regardless of Iconic Parks or Wildland grants. Restore and protect the Little Lehigh!
ReplyDeleteAll the rest is fluff.
@3:00, another subversive comment by our riparian fan friend. as you know, the general meant a creek centered park for the people's enjoyment. needless to say, both seeing it, and accessing it were taken for granted. until which time they weld those manhole covers shut, and pipe the storm water elsewhere,(neither of which they can do) the value of the riparian zones is nil to very little, certainly not worth giving up the pleasure of the creek.
ReplyDeleteMike,I don't see that comment as "subversive". Subverting what ? One persons idea that's all .
ReplyDelete