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Controversy About Hedge Street Park Proposal

A proposal for upgraded facilities at Hedge Street Park, (Hedge and Orthodox Sts.) is receiving push back from a community group called the Concerned Citizens for a Better Frankford.

A suggestion to create a skate park at Hedge Street park, already the site of basketball court, was announced at the Frankford Parks meeting on August hedge street park27th according to Nashib Edwards, CEO of the group.  While they are pleased that improvements are being considered, the group believes that a skate park in not something the community wants.  There is an existing skate park at Torresdale Ave. and Wakeling Street in use now.  A survey of the neighbors which the Parks Group had said was to be made has not been done.

The group has circulated a petition to protest the skate park which has been signed by 98% of the neighbors.  It is the preference of the group, and apparently the majority of the local neighbors, to refurbish the already existing basketball court along with adding a playground and a workout area for adults.

A Frankford Parks Group representative has stated that the proposal was just in the early stages and that there are no firm plans for the skate park.  Funding improvements of this kind is difficult under the current fiscal climate in the city.  The skate park concept was made with the thinking that private funds might be available for that kind project.