Port-a-Potties

Port-a-Potties are set up in various locations within the Wissahickon by Fairmount Park staff, the port-a-potties met with some objections from the FOW Board of Directors. The Board recognized the need for these facilities but recommended different placements and even port-a-potties with improved design. These recommendations were carried out by Fairmount Park.

In May 2008, FOW and Fairmount Park staff celebrated the installation of the first bio-composting toilet in Fairmount Park at the WPA structure on Forbidden Drive near the Kitchen’s Lane entrance to Wissahickon Valley Park. According to Chris Palmer, Director of Operations and Landscape Management for Fairmount Park, the composting toilet will serve as a proto-type for future composting toilets in the park.

FOW’s Structures Crew worked with the Fairmount Park Historic Trust, Fairmount Park staff, and Bio-Sun Systems to renovate the historic structure and install the composting toilet. The project was funded in part by a grant from REI, supplier of specialty outdoor gear and clothing. According to Maura McCarthy, FOW’s Executive Director, the bio-composting toilet is a great step forward for building a green infrastructure in the Wissahickon.