George Patrick Weiser fishes in the river with his uncle, Robert Weiser. Photo/Michelle Alton

See the slideshow below from the park, with photos taken by Bill Achuff and Michelle Alton.

If you didn’t know about Pleasant Hill Park, you probably wouldn’t be able to find it.

Tucked behind busy State Road, Torresdale’s waterfront park might be one of the city’s best-kept secrets. But navigate your way beyond the factories and prison and the police academy, and you’ll find a bustling green space on the Delaware River filled with boaters, picnickers and fishermen.  continue reading »

The serviceberry tree is one of 12 tree types available to Philadelphia residents for free. File photo/Jennifer Klimowicz

There are just more than 11 hours left to apply for two free yard trees, courtesy of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s TreePhilly initiative.

Part of the Plant One Million campaign to increase the city’s tree canopy, TreePhilly has been offering residents free front, side and backyard trees that they can plant themselves. continue reading »

Verree Dam, inside Pennypack Park in Fox Chase, is part of the city's Parks and Recreation Department. File photo/G.E. Reutter

The city’s Commission on Parks and Recreation has a nine seats that need filling.

Made up additionally by the Commissioners of the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Water, Streets, and Public Property; the City Council President; and the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission, the commission has to fill the seats held by volunteers who serve four-year terms. continue reading »

The Serviceberry tree is one of eight species TreePhilly offers residents. Photo/Jennifer Klimowicz

UPDATE — Still haven’t gotten your tree? Philadelphia residents have until March 31 to apply for trees they can get in April.

Philadelphia’s Department of Parks & Recreation has begun its TreePhilly program, and two Northeast neighborhoods are part of its target.

Frankford and Morrell Park are part of the handful of neighborhoods singled out for their need of trees. They –  along with West Oak Lane, Tioga, Old Kensington, South Philadelphia, Whitman and Haddington – have the most tree canopy needs and are in the Philadelphia Water Department’s combined sewer-overflow area.