WPA in the Wissahickon Part 1 with Debra Brackett, Peter Curatolo, and Doug Gibson

WPA in the Wissahickon: Wonderful Park Assets or Worrisome Park Additions – Part I
Meeting at Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive (see map here)
Ever walk past a structure in the Wissahickon and observe a cornerstone with the initials WPA and a date? WPA is short for the Works Progress Administration, a federal New Deal program during the Great Depression that helped provide jobs for unemployed workers. Fairmount Park and the Wissahickon Valley were sites for multiple WPA projects and some controversy.
Join us for a loop walk that includes stops at several structures built by WPA workers. We’ll share highlights, some history about the buildings, and the controversy about the scope of work in the Wissahickon. This hike is part one of a series and will focus on the northern section of the park. The route includes some steep and rocky ascents and descents and is about 5 miles long. Children 12 years of age and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult; no dogs except for service animals, please.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty Level: Difficult (many inclines and declines, uneven surfaces)
Audience: Ages 12+
Parking: There should be plenty of parking in the nearby Northwestern Ave Parking Area.
Restrooms: There will not be bathrooms available for use during our hike.
Registration is required for all events so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations.
Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador Walks may be on rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions. Service animals are always welcome. For more information contact Marisa Miller at miller@fow.org. Visit www.fow.org for updates.
Register below!