SCH lacrosse team unearths Water Tower history

Posted 3/16/23

On Saturday, March 4, the Springside Chestnut Hill Varsity Lacrosse Team worked on a cleanup and landscaping project to benefit  the Water Tower Recreation Center. They were supervised by renowned head coach Brian “Doc” Dougherty, assistant coaches Ken McEwan and Jay Pearcy, along with Water Tower Advisory Council representatives Barbara Diaz and Craig Hosay. 

In addition to moving a large amount of trash and debris, the varsity team also worked to unearth a slate path that, over time, had become buried under accumulated soil. These slate pieces will be reused in the …

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SCH lacrosse team unearths Water Tower history

Posted

On Saturday, March 4, the Springside Chestnut Hill Varsity Lacrosse Team worked on a cleanup and landscaping project to benefit  the Water Tower Recreation Center. They were supervised by renowned head coach Brian “Doc” Dougherty, assistant coaches Ken McEwan and Jay Pearcy, along with Water Tower Advisory Council representatives Barbara Diaz and Craig Hosay. 

In addition to moving a large amount of trash and debris, the varsity team also worked to unearth a slate path that, over time, had become buried under accumulated soil. These slate pieces will be reused in the refurbishing of the paths surrounding the historic water tower and WWII Memorial. 

Research recently revealed the original plan created by much-admired landscape architect Frederick Peck. Peck was responsible for designing the memorial and the surrounding paths, along with the steps that lead from the upper to the lower park. Plans are underway to honor his vision and bring new life to the original plan, which was the brainchild of a group of WWII veterans who wanted to honor the 81 community members who gave their lives in WWII. The memorial includes a display of the names of those who died in the war and a place nearby for rest and reflection. 

Current plans to bring the history of this part alive include the display of a website link, which will lead to the stories of these soldiers, as well as to some fascinating history of the Water Tower itself, which may be one of the oldest in the nation. 

These initiatives are all part of the larger “Light Up the Tower” project, which includes the addition of graze lighting to illuminate the tower as well as the repointing of the stone tower and the repair of its WWll Monument plaques. 

The first steps of the project are already underway with the removal of memorial plaques, which are now being restored. Eighty-five percent of the funds needed to complete this project have been raised. Volunteers are also engaging with city officials who can arrange for sidewalk repairs, new curbs, and functioning ADA ramps. 

You can help us raise the remaining 15% needed to fund this project with your check to the Water Tower Advisory Council at 209 East Hartwell Lane, Phila., Pa., 19118, or by donating online at wtrec.org. 

Have questions or a desire to volunteer? Email us at watertowerwtac@gmail.com. We are grateful to all who have contributed so far and look forward to celebrating the completion of this project later this year!

Mary Pomichter

Chestnut Hill