Sgt. Mike Vassallo of the 5th District informed the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) today of a step-up in patrolling and law enforcement in and around Devil's Pool and Valley Green Inn in Wissahickon Valley Park. Officers will begin the enforcement with an all-day intensive enforcement effort this Sunday, July 8th, and will continue enforcement activities throughout the summer.
A group of officers from the 5th and 14th Police Districts along with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Park Rangers will begin intensive patrolling and enforcement in the area to combat a variety of problems that afflict the area each summer, including illegal parking, swimming, diving, and littering, and violations of open container laws and the City-wide leash law which requires all dogs in the park to be on a six-foot leash.
"We will be enforcing all park rules and regulations, as well as city-wide laws," said Sgt. Vassallo of the effort, which will involve officers in patrol cars and on foot, bike, and motorcycles."
"This time of year is the peak season for use of the park around Valley Green Inn and Devil's Pool," said FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy, "and every year we see an increase in environmental damage to the park and the creek, car break-ins and thefts, and injuries related to illegal swimming and diving. The extra effort put forth by these officers is greatly needed and appreciated."