While we are on the subject of access to resources and marginalization, sometime in 2016, the city with good intentions closed the Bartram Field for rehabilitation. They did an impressive job as you can see from this picture.

However, almost four years later, the residents of zip codes 19143 and 19142 have lacked a consistent official access to this cherished community asset. Many times, this facility is closed off to the community that it belongs to.

I remember my father, who was then 85 years old going out to this field for a walk with other seniors, some veterans, who eventually became his “familiar stranger” friends, and routinely went out there in the mornings and evenings to stretch aching joints. Children also came out to let off steam.

Recently, the community has devised other means to gain access in the face of desperation by cutting holes through the fence. This unconventional access is often short lived since the workers would usually plug these holes as soon as they discover them. – leaving the community to find some other creative spot to enter the grounds.

We don’t need this cat and mouse game. As we value the good intentions of the city, it is only prudent that the city give us access to this field given the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the city for their great work!