The
Lehigh Valley is under another Heat Advisory
this week, but it’s no excuse to swim illegally and litter along the region’s waterways, officials say.
The mayors of
Allentown
and Reading on Tuesday issued a joint statement, saying illegal swimming, littering and unsafe gatherings in waterways will not be tolerated and could result in costly fines.
It’s an issue that extends beyond these two Pennsylvania cities’ borders.
Members of the Lehigh River Stocking Association on Monday shared video they say shows extensive littering along the river in the Laurys Station section of North Whitehall Township. Messes of diapers, grills, clothing, beer bottles, plastic bags and additional trash littered the ground after vehicles crowded into a parking area along Route 145 over the weekend, they said.
At Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Bushkill Township police reported citing a woman on the Fourth of July after a vehicle parked about 11:10 p.m. in the state park’s main lot drew suspicion. Officers found the woman, who admitted to being intoxicated after spending part of the evening along the Bushkill Creek with her boyfriend, according to a news release:
“A search of the area where the couple had been revealed litter scattered throughout the site, including plastic cups, food wrappers, blankets and rolling papers.”
After the Fourth of July weekend, concerns surfaced on social media about trash left behind along the Bushkill Creek at Easton’s Karl Stirner Arts Trail.
The biggest problems there are coming from out-of-state visitors, Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said Wednesday.
“We’re going to have to get that under control,” he said, noting barriers have been established along Bushkill Drive to cut down on illegal parking and that police plan to step up patrols of the trail area. Signs are in place warning of city prohibitions on grilling, camping, amplified music, coolers and alcoholic beverages on the trail. However, visitors continue to disregard rules, including those barring jumping from bridges into the Bushkill Creek. That’s dangerous, the mayor said, with people climbing the bridge rails to jump into as little as 6 inches of water.
“We want people to use the Karl Stirner Arts Trail,” Panto said, “but we don’t want people to abuse it.”
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and Reading Mayor Eddie Morán came together Tuesday to combat what they said is an increase in dangerous, illegal activity in and around local waterways — particularly at Riverfront Park in Reading and various creeks and park areas in Allentown including Jordan, Canal, Trout Creek and Fountain parks.
A
14-year-old drowned just last month at Jordan Park
after jumping into Jordan Creek and failing to resurface.
“Allentown is the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley, and a destination for families looking to enjoy our incredible park system,” Tuerk said in a statement. “We welcome visitors who respect the natural beauty of our city and our city’s rules. Our swimming pools and park pavilions offer safe and affordable options for visitors all summer long.
“Give our first responders and parks employees a break, and give everyone a chance to enjoy Allentown. Don’t let a $100 ticket ruin your summer.”
In Allentown, Ordinance § 425-17 strictly prohibits swimming or bathing in creeks and waterways within city parks unless a location is specifically designated for that activity. No natural waterway is currently designated. In Reading, Chapter 396-305 and 396-306 of the City Code restrict disorderly conduct, prohibit unauthorized gatherings, and clearly ban entering or swimming in public waterways, officials said.
In general, the Allentown and Reading mayors sought to remind residents and visitors:
-
Swimming in creeks, rivers or city waterways is not permitted.
-
Littering, noise violations and unpermitted group events are subject to enforcement.
-
Use designated city pools, splash pads and recreation programs for safe summer fun.
Both cities will be working together — along with their respective police departments and fire officials — to step up enforcement and educate the public, the mayors said.
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