McMichael Park: 1929 -2019 Ninety years of Being Green

May11th, 9AM: Love Your Park, Service Day: planting of the Birthday Tree, (bring a shovel and get into the dirt).
Volunteers will be planting a Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides) which was recommended by Lori Hayes of PP&R. The redwood does well in open green settings. This tree can grow to amazing heights and up to 50 feet! And it grows quickly, up to 5 feet per year. It takes on a uniform pyramidal shape. The Dawn Redwood's beautiful, fern-like foliage develops in the spring, adding a perfect green color to your landscape that thrives through the summer season. The majestic, fast-growing tree transitions in the fall, as if on queue to provide a gentle gold hue - the perfect homage to Autumn.

The Friends of McMichael Park received an Environmental Grant from Weavers Way which will cover the cost of the tree and needed fertilizer and mulch. Thank you Weavers Way for supporting our celebration.
Everyone is invited to participate on May 11th for general clean-up of the park. If you can help then please sign up here: Volunteer alert: Click here

May 11th at 10 AM:, "Pop-up-Play" will be joining us at 10AM with a theme for creating “things that fly”. Families will work together to make wearable wings out of hangers and tulle. Children can create all sorts of wings (butterfly, bat, ladybug, dragon, fairy, airplanes and more.) Families will practice STEAM skills of measurement, color mixing, knot tying and design. Catapult creations will also be a part of the hour. www.popupplay.net

The Friends of McMichael Park are giving away "free water bottles" (to the first 90 people) and snacks for everyone as part of the 90 year celebration. Thanks to Charlene Brock for her help with this. Sustainability and conservation are the basis for being green.

May 11th at 11AM: Our annual "Pet Adoption" begins 11am organized again this year thanks to Mike Andrews. Stop in and see the many pet rescues. Our prior year furry friends came from ACCT, Street Tails, Brandywine Valley SPCA, Morris Animal Refuge, Noah's Ark and Paws. Adoptions through 1PM.

May 11th, 8:15 PM : Saturday Night is Movie Night in McMichael Park:
The Love Your Park Celebration continues into the evening with Disney's" Moana" on the BIG screen. This FREE event hosted by and presented by The Friends of McMichael Park. We are happy to acknowledge the sponsorship from Elfant-Wissahickon Realtors, Paul Walsh Jr. Showtime is 8:15 PM. You will feel like you're transported to a tropical island so bring your beach towel, air mattress, or lawn chair to this family friendly event. More details in our May issue.

May 13th, 6:30 PM: "Story Hour" returns to McMichael Park in a coordinated program with the Falls of Schuylkill Library. Children's Librarian, Miss Meredith will be back with a fun read and activity for children to enjoy. Recommended for ages 2 to 6: siblings always welcome. Snacks provided by The Friends of McMichael Park. Bring a blanket. June 10th will be our second story hour in McMichael Park. Find out more about what's happening at the library at the upcoming Summer of Wonder Program!

May 27th, 11 AM: In Collaboration with St. Bridget's Church, The Friends of McMichael Park will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27 at 11 am. A short program of Patriotic songs, Benediction, Memorial Day speaker and Taps will be held, followed by a small reception. Looking forward to the community coming out to show their respect for America's fallen heroes. If you are free that morning, please join us to tidy up the War Memorial the day of the event. Are you a baker or can provide a snack: Donations of cookies, cakes, or drinks are welcome for the reception.
Contact: Christina Kistler for offers of participation or questions: cbkistler11@gmail.com

Coming July 11th: Free Theater in McMichael Park. Commonwealth Classic Theater presents William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" Our 12th year of providing the inaugural performance of Free Theater in Philadelphia. The Friends of McMichael Park are proud of our relationship with this important Philadelphia troupe.

2019 Parks on Tap is coming August 21st-25th!
Celebrate the 90th Birthday of McMichael Park. Cheers!!!

Fairmount Park Conservancy is thrilled to announce that Parks on Tap, the traveling community beer garden that gives back, will return on April 24th, kicking off the season at the Azalea Garden! The beer garden, a partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and FCM Hospitality, will visit 23 Philly parks from April 24 to September 29, including new locations such as McMichael Park in East Falls, the Discovery Center in East Fairmount Park, and Fisher Park in Olney. Stay tuned for the full schedule and lineup!

Join the conversation on Facebook. FOMP Click here.
Read about McMichael Park in the PhillyVoice: Click here!

Earlier this month, dozens of Park Friends Groups gathered for a day of learning during the annual Park Friends Network Conference at the University of the Sciences, this year’s conference sponsor. Each year, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s organize this special workshop to bring together Park Friends Groups from across Philadelphia to network and learn more about how they can be great stewards of their neighborhood parks. Stewardship of the public realm help residents feel invested in and take responsibility for public spaces in their community—maintaining, programming, beautifying, and advocating for those spaces. Active participation in community organizations and activities is associated with lower mortality rates and better physical and mental health. Recent statistics show that communities where it citizens engage, volunteer, and join local organizations tend to have lower crime rates. The Friends of McMichael Park are thankful for the support from FPC and PP&R and look forward to another year of greening and energizing our open green space. Isn't it time that you too became a steward of McMichael Park? Contact Alexis Franklin at Lexy3904@gmail.com to assist, volunteer, and engage in the preservation of our community "green."

In 2020 The Friends of McMichael Park are celebrating 30 years of stewardship.