We read Abby Weiss’ article (“Philadelphia still spraying outlawed herbicides in city’s public parks,” 9/17/25) about the city’s use of outlawed herbicides with great interest. The well-researched piece highlights an issue that affects us all, from casual strollers in the Wissahickon to parents of children who use one of the many public playgrounds to the workers who dutifully maintain 10,200 acres of city-owned parkland.
Good journalism holds public officials accountable, which Weiss did by pointing out a new law, Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces (HOPS), that …
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We read Abby Weiss’ article (“Philadelphia still spraying outlawed herbicides in city’s public parks,” 9/17/25) about the city’s use of outlawed herbicides with great interest. The well-researched piece highlights an issue that affects us all, from casual strollers in the Wissahickon to parents of children who use one of the many public playgrounds to the workers who dutifully maintain 10,200 acres of city-owned parkland.
Good journalism holds public officials accountable, which Weiss did by pointing out a new law, Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces (HOPS), that prohibits the use of toxic synthetic herbicides in public spaces. Comments by elected officials, nonprofit advocates, and a primary care doctor round out the reactions to this gap in compliance.
As members of the Laudato Si’ Circle, a climate ministry at Our Mother of Consolation Church, we try to answer Pope Francis’ call to care for creation through fellowship, education, and advocacy. We are so grateful to the editors of the Local for applying for the Report for America grant to fund an environmental reporter!
Thank you, Abby Weiss, for your diligent reporting. We warmly welcome you to the neighborhood!
Mary (Kit) McGovern, Oreland
Barbara Sheehan, Center City
Members of Laudato Si’ Circle, Our Mother of Consolation Parish
Chestnut Hill
