Out of the mall, into the park

Volunteers clean up Little Crum Creek Park on Black Friday. Photo: Nora Quinn

To the Editor:

When Ines Rodriguez approached me about planning a workday in Little Crum Creek Park on Black Friday, I thought, Well, that sounds like a wacky idea for this time of year, but why not? Let’s get people outside and away from the malls. Ines was inspired by REI Co-op’s annual #OptOutside campaign, when they close their doors on Black Friday and encourage their employees and members to enjoy the great outdoors instead of stores. Ines and I quickly created a Facebook event, posted on Nextdoor Swarthmore, and sent some information to The Swarthmorean. We were committed! But we were still unsure anyone would actually show up.

After a blustery Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday dawned sunny but cool. That didn’t stop families with young children from showing up with smiles and energy. We had selected a site near the entrance to the park that had become overgrown with invasive plants. Our volunteers came from as far away as Florida and New York City and as nearby as Dickinson Avenue — 18 adults and 12 children, including one baby in a carrier. They came bundled up and ready to work. 

The adults worked with saws, large and small pruners, and rakes, and the kids pulled brush, cut vines, and raked weeds into large piles. A few families with boots braved the cold waters of the creek and collected trash, broken glass, and even a large intact brown glass bottle. We heard from several families how often they use the park and how much fun their kids have had playing in it.

Maybe, weather permitting, we’ll have another OptOutside event on the next big shopping day when most people flood the malls for bargains (December 26)! There’s more work to be done in the park, so watch this space. Or email me at susankelly339@gmail.com.

Susan Kelly
Swarthmore