If you’ve spent time in Tacony Creek Park or the surrounding neighborhoods, chances are you’ve already seen Jay Coreano’s work.
Known to many as “Art God,” Jay has become a familiar face in the community through his vibrant public art, neighborhood events, and dedication to bringing people together. From colorful murals along the Tacony Creek Trail to hand-painted trash can lids around Ferko Playground, his creativity has helped transform everyday spaces into places of pride, identity, and connection.
Now, Jay is taking on a new role in service of the park he loves: Illegal Dumping Ambassador for Tacony Creek Park.
A New Approach to an Old Problem
Read more about TTF’s anti-illegal dumping efforts
Illegal dumping remains one of the greatest challenges facing many Philadelphia parks and neighborhoods. Tires, construction debris, household waste, and abandoned materials not only damage natural habitats but also discourage people from using and enjoying public spaces.
To address this issue, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation launched the Illegal Dumping Ambassador Program, a citywide initiative that places community-focused stewards in four priority parks: Tacony Creek Park, Cobbs Creek Park, Fairmount Park, and Mifflin Square Park.
The program aims to reduce illegal dumping through a combination of community outreach, education, environmental monitoring, volunteer engagement, and partnerships that support long-term stewardship of public spaces.
Rather than focusing solely on cleanup, the program seeks to create a culture shift—helping residents see parks as shared community assets worth protecting and caring for.
Why Jay?
For those who know Jay, the answer is simple.
Jay has spent years building relationships throughout the Tacony Creek community. Whether through public art projects, youth programming, neighborhood events, or volunteer activities, he understands the people, stories, and culture that make this part of Philadelphia unique.
He has been a longtime friend of TTF, regularly collaborating on community events and creative projects that connect residents to nature and one another. Most recently, many community members met Jay through Birds of a Feather, a celebration of art, wildlife, and community held at Tacony Creek Park.
His ability to engage people through creativity makes him uniquely positioned to serve as a visible and trusted presence in the park.
As an Illegal Dumping Ambassador, Jay will help organize community cleanups, educate park users, monitor dumping hotspots, support volunteer efforts, and work alongside residents, city staff, and partner organizations to create lasting solutions.
More Than Cleanup
One of the most exciting aspects of the Ambassador Program is its focus on relationships.
The position isn’t simply about removing trash. It’s about understanding why dumping happens, building trust with neighbors, creating opportunities for engagement, and empowering residents to become stewards of their local environment.
This community-centered approach aligns closely with TTF’s mission of connecting watershed residents and communities to their creeks through education, stewardship, restoration, and advocacy.
Tacony Creek Park’s transformation over the past several years demonstrates what can happen when residents, volunteers, nonprofits, and government agencies work together toward a shared vision. From trail improvements and habitat restoration to major cleanup efforts, progress has been driven by people who care deeply about the park’s future.
The Illegal Dumping Ambassador Program builds on that momentum.
A Storyteller at Heart
Jay’s passion for community extends beyond murals and events.
Recently, he published his first children’s book, Slabby Finds His Place, a heartwarming story inspired by the wildlife, landscapes, and people of Tacony Creek Park. Through the journey of Slabby, a character searching for belonging, Jay explores themes of resilience, community, and the importance of finding your place in the world.
The story reflects many of the same values that guide his work in the park: connection, stewardship, creativity, and care.
Whether painting a mural, writing a children’s book, or organizing a neighborhood event, Jay’s work consistently encourages people to see beauty and possibility in the places around them.
Building on Momentum
The timing of the Ambassador Program comes at an important moment for Tacony Creek Park.
In recent years, community members have witnessed both the challenges and the potential of the park. The 2025 removal of thousands of illegally dumped tires from the creek corridor showed what is possible when residents, volunteers, city agencies, and partner organizations unite around a common goal.
Now, the focus shifts from reacting to dumping to preventing it.
With dedicated ambassadors, stronger partnerships, improved monitoring, and continued community engagement, the program seeks to create long-term change that extends beyond cleanup days.
Thank You
TTF would like to thank Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the City of Philadelphia, the Office of Sustainability, and all of the partners who helped make the Illegal Dumping Ambassador Program possible.
Investing in community-based leadership is an investment in healthier parks, cleaner waterways, and stronger neighborhoods.
We’re excited to see Jay bring his creativity, energy, and deep community connections to this important role, and we look forward to working together to keep Tacony Creek Park clean, welcoming, and thriving for everyone.
Join the Effort
Creating a cleaner Tacony Creek Park takes all of us.
Join a cleanup, report illegal dumping to 311, attend community events, and help spread the message that our parks deserve care and respect.
Together, we can build a future where Tacony Creek Park is known not for dumping, but for art, nature, wildlife, and community.
This blog is part of the #CreekyCLEAN! TaconyCreekPark initiative.
Learn more at:
🔗 https://ttfwatershed.org/programs/creekyclean-tacony-park/
