Our first ever West Park Harvest Fest kicked off a celebration of well-being, community, and the completion of our Parkside Pedestrian Improvements in West Fairmount Park on Sunday, October 23. The free seasonal festival was presented in partnership with Get Fresh Daily, a mission-driven organization promoting well-being and healthy living education focused on the Black community.

Families, friends, and elected officials came out to the Welsh Fountain to cut the ribbon on the Parkside Pedestrian project and enjoy an afternoon of pumpkin decorating, carving demonstrations with Roger Wing, mural painting with Walls for Justice, wellness activities, music, food, vendors, and community partners.

Fairmount Park Conservancy was also joined by Congressman Evans, Representative Brown, Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability Director of Complete Streets Kelley Yemen, and Centennial Parkside CDC Executive Director Chris Spahr for a brief speaking program to highlight the importance of better, safer access to our parks.

Michael Burch, Founder & Editor of The Parkside Journal, also shared his personal experience. “I grew up in this neighborhood and spent a great deal of time learning and growing right here in Fairmount Park. I’m also well aware that these roads here are extremely dangerous because of the high traffic volume. This area – Parkside Avenue – is usually considered a barrier for people getting over here into the park. Changes were necessary. I am very pleased to see the direction that we’re moving in. Parks are our future.”