UPDATE: By midsummer, compost, mulch, and wood-chip distribution had resumed at 3850 W. Ford Road in the park. Check for schedule.
The recycling center in West Fairmount Park usually opens its doors to aficionados of its free leaf compost like me at the start of April. That didn’t happen this year. Blame the coronovirus, and the fact that in the old setup at the recycling center, a small throng would gather around one huge mountain of compost standing practically shoulder to shoulder to fill their buckets and bags, conduct that is off limits these days.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation came up with a new, safe setup and commenced free compost distribution this year on May 20. Mulch and compost is now spread out into 12 different numbered piles so 12 customers at a time can load up while remaining properly socially distanced, a good 20 feet apart.
Below is the notice recently sent out by the department with details about where and how you can get free compost. Word apparently hasn’t spread very far and wide yet. I dropped by for compost on both May 20 and 21 and was the lone customer both times. (Hint: for ease of loading, back your car right up to the pile and shovel the compost directly into heavy-duty trash bags in your trunk.)
Hello Philly Food Growers,
As you may know, food production has been deemed essential during the COVID-19 crisis. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation appreciates your efforts in growing food for your families and communities.
In an effort to support food production in Philadelphia, we will reopen the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center (3850 Ford Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19131) by appointment only for Philadelphia growers with open-bed vehicles (pick-up trucks or dump trucks) to receive free compost and mulch on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. We ask for your personal protection and the protection of others that you follow the protocols listed below. If it is determined that protocols are not being adhered to, this service will be discontinued.
For individual growers without an open-bed vehicle, there will be free piles of mulch and compost available for growers to self-load into containers at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center’s parking lot (100 N. Horticultural Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19131). Compost and mulch will be available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We ask for your personal protection and the protection of others that you follow the protocols listed below. If it is observed that protocols are not being adhered to, this service will be discontinued.
Protocols for self-service compost and mulch at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center parking lot:
- Please remain in your vehicle until loading.
- Please be mindful if there is a line of vehicles waiting. If there are more than two cars in line, you are limited to 20 minutes to collect the materials you need.
- Only one vehicle at a pile at a time.
- You will need to bring your own shovel and container.
- You must wear a mask and gloves at all times.
- You must follow directional signage and instructions from PPR Staff
- The best way to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 and to end the pandemic is to stay away from other people; try to keep at least six feet between you and anyone else picking up compost or mulch. If you’re having trouble keeping a safe distance, consider coming back at another time.
- You will be asked to leave if you are not following protocols.
What are the causes of impotence in the male ? Impotency is not a disease, it’s an issue which can be avoided by buy brand viagra changing the point of injection, and the occasional slight bruising, bleeding or burning sensation, all of which resolve themselves shortly. Working of male sex enhancement tablets: – The supplements as prescribed by the doctors so that the patients get it and take it for safe results: Always take Kamagra 45 to 60 minutes after consumption and started functioning in the body by preventing the enzymes of PDE5 known viagra online france as phosphodiesterase that occurs in the male’s genital part. It is very easy to use; all you have to do is to put the get viagra online jelly in your mouth and allow it to dissolve. The number of people suffering cheapest viagra no prescription from erectile dysfunction, there is help available.
Protocols for open bed vehicles at the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center:
- Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. We reserve the right to turn away any vehicles that are late to their appointment.
- We ask that you make a sign with the name of your garden and appointment time that can be read from 10 feet away.
- You will check in with the attendant at the gate and be given instructions on where to receive the materials.
- You must wear a mask and follow the instructions of PPR staff.
- You are not allowed to exit your vehicle.
Make your reservation for the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center.
Please reach out to FarmPhilly@phila.gov with any questions or concerns.