The scene above shows the island in the Little Lehigh, with the boatlanding in the background. Please note the bridge leading to the island. The island, bridge and landing were created by the WPA. Although the island still remains, as does it's stone piers, the bridge is long gone. The boatlanding, although buried, was partially recovered last year by myself and a number of volunteers. The island, as remaining, has lost it's shape and has been enlarged from deposits carried by the Little Lehigh. The island was created by the WPA in the mid 1930's, by excavating a channel on it's south side. It is the intention of the park department to eventually allow mother nature to fill in the channel. Park philosophy has changed from manicured to al natural. It is my hope that the excavated portion of the boatlanding will be retained. In regard to yesterday's post on Irving Park, I have confirmed that one of the WPA stone stairwells was indeed removed this year by the city. I hope that is not their version of a fix. It clearly indicates the need for the WPA Support Group. Click photo to enlarge.
above reprinted from September of 2011
ADDENDUM AUGUST 2, 2024: Although the Parknership has been in formation for a number of years, and hundreds of people have been contacted for input, no one has reached out to me. The Parknership is a cooperation between the city administration and the Trexler Trust. Considering my known advocacy for the parks and WPA structures, my exclusion is obviously intentional.
The photo above was taken in the late 1930's. As a boy living in the twin brick houses above the park on south ridge, that island was a destination every summer day. By my time there in the mid 1950's, there was a concrete bench embedded with colored tiles. Next stop before heading home was the boat landing.
ReplyDeleteIt is wrong to exclude you from the Parknership. Wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe Parknership states that the WPA will be one of their missions. For the last 15 years nobody has been more involved with those structures than me. However, as a blogger over the years I have taken both the city and trust to task on occasion. Apparently, they're more concerned with their feelings than the parks.
DeleteIts all weeds there now. Nothing that even resembles that photo What was built there is now long gone due to neglect by the City government
ReplyDeleteAgreed, it is just wrong not to include you. You have been such a tireless advocate for the park system and the precious WPA gift to the city that has fallen out of favor with the current city population. You’d be a pain to have on board but you would help protect the original concepts of the design and use as no one else will.
ReplyDeleteInside the Snow Globe, an old white male advocating practical, experience based park policies, would never get put on the Parknership. Now, if you were a young radical from Oregon (preferably a female or ethnic/racial minority male) who knew nothing about Allentown's park history but has excellent progressive ideas to promote the sustainable, fair and equitable use of the parks by all people, you might get appointed.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. The city has neglected the parks for a long time. They once were the pride of our city.
ReplyDeleteThe PTB (powers that be) are just waiting for your ultimate demise so they'll be free of your (intelligent) "interference"... stick around and be a (truthful) thorn in their collective backsides!!!
ReplyDeleteSo sad the city keeps killing itself on purpose... who do these knuckleheads think they are fooling???
I wish to point out there was a water fountain to drink from just before the bridge going to the island. It was also a must stop for me.
ReplyDeleteLVCI - I think there is still a water fountain there, but I’m not sure if it’s the original.
ReplyDeleteMy favorites were the one across from the Road Runners building and the one across the Robin Hood Bridge. I think they used to constantly bubble straight up, always with the coldest water even on the hottest day.
Hate to have to say this, but I believe the party's over for old Allentown. To borrow from Merle Haggard: She's rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell.
ReplyDeleteIs totally woke NYC letting Central Park be run by environmental extremists? No they aren't.
ReplyDeleteWe have one giant problem... I'll call it "planned incompetence" and let it lay there for all with eyes to see. Allentown and most of the world is infested with it, all at our expense. We must be fools.
ReplyDeleteHappy that you are still at it Mike.I too share your dreams for the park system.Let me add that the rest of us all share a blame for not having your back in a more vocal and persistent way
ReplyDeleteHey Michael, speaking of water fountains! Whatever happened to the water fountain at the corner of 7th and Hamilton right in the shadow of the Merchants Bank building? The City must have gotten rid of it when they were re-doing Center Square for the Umpteenth Time.
ReplyDelete