Know Before You Go: Summer in the Wissahickon
It’s what folks in the Parks industry call the busy season: summertime, both in terms of flowering fauna and foot traffic! If you’re a new park user or a year-round Wissahickon head, there are some things that you should keep in mind when you’re enjoying the park this summer.
Check for ticks; they’re out in the park even when you can’t see them.
It’s important to check for ticks after you’ve spent time out in the brush. Every. Single. Time. The risk of Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease that can cause fever, headache, fatigue, and rash, with other long-term effects if left untreated, can be avoided by regularly checking for ticks. Also, plan to dry the clothes you wore while in the park on high heat to kill any bugs that may be hiding in your shirt or pants, and shower within 2 hours.
Phone, keys, wallet, and most importantly, your water bottle!
We’ve already experienced some pretty high temperatures this June. Thankfully, we can retreat to the park to cool off a bit. Regardless, when you lose fluids (which is the polite way of saying sweating your butt off), you need to replace them! Not only does it keep you alert, but it also flushes out waste products in the body. If you bring anything to the park, make it a water bottle. Just make sure to bring it home with you!
Don’t make your car a victim to window shoppers…
Unfortunately, car break-ins around the city are on the rise. But thankfully, there are some steps we can take to try and limit the risk. Don’t leave anything of value in your car, especially not in plain sight. If you need to stash a valuable item, make sure to do it before you enter a parking lot along the park. Thieves often watch the lots and watch where visitors hide their belongings. If you are subject to a break-in, make sure to report it to the appropriate police district.
Even if you don’t have access to a car, there are pathways to the park!
There is so much value in taking time to explore the outdoors, especially for those of us who live in dense, urban areas with limited green space. If you aren’t local to the park, don’t let the distance stop you from enjoying this unique urban green space. There are plenty of transit routes to the park! Check out these transit options on our website here!
Stay safe, and know before you go!
For more information on how to plan a successful visit to the park, visit our information page here.