by Will Meade, TTF intern
Did you know that we offer free health and fitness programs in Tacony Creek Park? And that Tacony Creek Park is home to a paved Circuit Trail? We support a running group called the TCP Trotters that meets a few times a week, as well as two We Walk PHL walking groups, and most recently, a yoga class! These activities are designed for all ages and physical abilities, and wouldn’t be possible without our amazing leaders.
You may wonder why TTF provides these programs. We are committed to connecting people to their creeks and green spaces, and these programs are just one of our many tools. We also know how important green space and fresh air are to the well-being of our watershed constituents. Our work in Tacony Creek Park is made possible by the Philadelphia Water Department, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and these programs are supported by Spring Point Partners.
Let’s get to know them!
First, we’ll meet Jessica who is our dedicated Run with Me (TCP Trotters) leader! She became involved with TTF when she learned about the Tacony Creek Park Trail. Eight years ago, she was exploring running trails around Philadelphia and discovered the TCP trail right “in her own backyard.” Jessica enjoys leading runs because she can directly impact the health of her fellow neighbors while increasing awareness of our park and watershed at the same time!
Want to run with the TCP Trotters? Jessica leads runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings between 5 am and 7:30 am, based on the preference of the participants. She also leads kid-friendly Family Trail Runs on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm and Saturdays at 4 pm. Send an email to tcptrotters@gmail.com to RSVP and for the location information.
Bethany Harvey has been a We Walk PHL walking group leader for the last 5 years. She originally started out in Hunting Park, but then switched to Tacony Creek Park when TTF enrolled in the program too. Bethany is thankful for Tacony Creek Park as it’s “a local forest oasis in the city” and feels lucky to live a few blocks away from the Olney Gateway!
Our other We Walk PHL leader is Thomas McHale. Thomas’s family has spent around 3 decades residing in a unique historic house next to Tacony Creek’s banks, near the Olney Avenue gateway. Tom has loved our trails for quite some time and is often seen walking his dog Powder along the creek! This spot means so much to he and his family that they were married in the woods behind their home in 2016. Tom is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication.
Want to join our We Walk groups? We meet on Saturdays from 9:30am – 10:30am at the I Street & Ramona Avenue TCP Park gateway (19124) and on Mondays from 9am – 10am at the Tabor Road and Olney Avenue (19120) gateway.
Jenna Song is our new Yoga instructor! Jenna started practicing yoga routinely after taking a yoga class in college, which eventually led to her receiving her 200-hour registered yoga teacher training. She loves to teach students as part of her ever-evolving yoga journey. She was born in Seoul, Korea, and grew up in the United States; she has q bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Temple University.
Interested in learning relaxing your mind and improving your physical health? Join us at the Tabor Road and Olney Avenue TCP gateway on Saturdays from 11am – 11:4 am to enjoy and learn Hatha yoga.
Now that you have met all four of our awesome and well-versed leaders, it’s time for you to join us! You’ll be in great hands and can enjoy an escape from the real world as you meet your fellow neighbors. See you on the trails!
Questions about programs? Contact Doryan@ttfwatershed.org or 215-744-1853.
