The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of September 23rd

Serving the residents and neighbors of Eastwick, Southwest Philadelphia, since our founding. The Eastwick Bulletin is published weekly to keep our community informed, connected, and empowered.

Welcome to this week’s Eastwick Bulletin.

This week, we recognize a major new recreation resource in nearby Southwest Philadelphia, share a practical update on flood readiness, and look ahead to free music, outdoor activities, library programs, and a ranger-led Nature Tots program at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. We also share an important access notice as the Henderson Marsh Restoration Project begins.

🚨URGENT HEALTH WARNING: Possible Measles Exposure at Philadelphia International Airport

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is notifying the public of a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport. The exposure occurred in Terminals B and F and in areas used to connect to Terminals C, D, and E, from Sunday, September 13, at 7:25 PM through Monday, September 14, at 12:05 AM. The Health Department says this is a separate case and is not connected to the recently announced CHOP exposures.

If you were in those airport areas during that time, please follow the Health Department’s guidance:

•Check whether you are protected against measles. In general, the City says this includes people born before 1957, people who have already had measles, or people who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, usually MMR.

•If you are not protected, are unsure of your vaccination status, are an infant, are pregnant and not immune, or are immunocompromised, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

•If you develop fever, runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, or a rash through October 5, call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and tell the provider about the possible exposure. Philadelphia residents with symptoms may also contact the Health Department at 215-685-6740.

•If you are not immune and may have been exposed, the City advises wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and around people who are unvaccinated until three weeks after the exposure.

For the full official guidance, vaccine information, and any updates, visit phila.gov/measles.

🌟 POSITIVE UPDATE: Francis J. Myers Recreation Center Reopens in Southwest Philadelphia

A newly renovated public recreation center is now available to families in Southwest Philadelphia. The Francis J. Myers Recreation Center celebrated its reopening on August 25 following a $27 million renovation. The City lists the center at 5800 Chester Avenue in Kingsessing, within a 7.6-acre park with playground equipment, a sprinkler and pool, basketball courts, sports fields, a gymnasium, a public computing center, and multipurpose rooms.

The renovation added a regulation-size gymnasium and basketball court, community room, computer lab, flexible classrooms, updated playgrounds and sprayground, a community garden, full ADA accessibility, and modern building systems. Local residents and young people helped shape the redesign through 13 community meetings and stakeholder check-ins.

We are encouraged by this investment in a nearby public space where residents can gather, learn, play, and access community resources. Eastwick families can find current program information through the City’s Parks & Rec Finder.

⚠️ COMMUNITY CONCERN: Eastwick Flood Risk Requires Sustained Action and Preparedness

Eastwick remains one of Philadelphia’s most flood-prone neighborhoods. The City describes the low-lying community as historic marshland near the confluence of Darby and Cobbs creeks, where climate change is expected to worsen flooding risk.

The City has added useful public preparedness tools, including a flood-monitoring map with real-time water-level data, weather information, and camera feeds at selected locations. The City’s May announcement says the system includes monitoring points along Darby Creek and Cobbs Creek, among other citywide locations. Residents can also sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia emergency messages by texting READYPHILA to 888-777.

These tools can help residents prepare, but they are not a substitute for durable protection. The City says its Eastwick program continues work on a community-driven Flood Resilience Strategy and a near-term flood-barrier project. EFNC encourages sustained implementation, clear public communication, and continued attention to the flood risk residents face.

Featured Family Event: Nature Tots at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Photo provided for this Nature Tots notice. Event details are verified through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Saturday, October 3 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard

Children ages 3 to 5 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a Refuge Ranger through stories, crafts, hikes, and more. The program is free, but advance registration is required. Email Hannah Thompkins to register and receive attendance instructions.

Coltrane100 Philly Continues at LOVE Park

WRTI’s free, public A LOVE Park Supreme celebration continues at LOVE Park, 1501 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The remaining lunch-hour programs are Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25, from noon to 2:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy curated broadcasts, educational displays, a photo wall, activities, and giveaways.

If this Bulletin reaches you before Wednesday evening, the special September 23 program runs 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, including a listening party and a 6:00 PM tribute concert with saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, bassist Alex Claffy, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts.

FEATURED PLAN-AHEAD EVENT: Ready to Root Volunteer & Tree Distribution Day

Tuesday, October 20 | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19143

PA IPL invites neighbors, tree leaders, and community partners to Ready to Root: Volunteer & Tree Distribution Day, a celebration of community tree leadership and urban forestry. The day will include partner tables, educational activities, a tree walk around the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, and a limited number of no-cost yard trees for people who did not place an advance order.

Residents interested in volunteering or attending can register here. EFNC is proud to be part of the Southwest Collaborative working to expand tree access and urban-forestry leadership across Southwest Philadelphia.

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

Outdoor Bartram’s Garden activities may change for unsafe weather or water conditions. Please check the linked organizer page before traveling.

💡COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Eastwick Library The Eastwick Library at 2851 Island Avenue offers free programs and resources for children, teens, adults, and families. Find the current schedule on the Eastwick Library calendar.

Flood Information and Alerts Check conditions on the City’s flood-monitoring map and text READYPHILA to 888-777 for ReadyPhiladelphia alerts.

Report and Track Neighborhood Concerns Use Philly 311 to report and track potholes, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, graffiti, street-light outages, and other non-emergency concerns. Requests can be made online, through the mobile app, by calling 311 within Philadelphia, or by calling 215-686-8686 from outside the city.

Breathe Philly For City information about air quality, heat, and environmental-health resources, visit Breathe Philly and review the Breathe Philly program resources

📸 SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

We love seeing Eastwick through your eyes. Send photos of neighborhood gatherings, local nature, community projects, gardens, and everyday moments that show what makes Eastwick special. Selected images may be featured in future Bulletins and EFNC social media. Please email your photo, a short caption, and photographer credit to [email protected].

🗣️ FUTURE TOPICS: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

What would you like to see covered in a future Eastwick Bulletin? Please send local concerns, event notices, positive neighborhood news, and resource suggestions to [email protected]. Your input helps EFNC keep this newsletter relevant, practical, and community-centered.

🤝 ABOUT EFNC AND JOIN OUR BOARD

Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc. works with residents and partners to advance environmental justice, community advocacy, safety, and sustainable development in Eastwick. We are seeking community-minded Board members with experience or interest in social media, event planning, computer skills, grant writing, communications, and community outreach. To learn more about EFNC or express interest in serving, visit eastwickfnc.org.

📢 SHARE THE WORD

Please forward this Bulletin to your Eastwick neighbors, friends, and family. Encourage them to subscribe at eastwickfnc.org so that more residents can stay informed and connected.

Until next time,
The EFNC Team