Jessica at ease at The Woodlands. She doesn’t like your dog as much as you do. Photo by Lori Waselchuk.

The tension between those who walk their dogs off-leash at The Woodlands and those who wish they wouldn’t is kind of the west-of-the-Schuylkill version of the Hatfields and the McCoys, Liam and Noel Gallagher, Biggie and Tupac. That may be overstating it slightly, but it’s kind of a big deal to many who frequent the cemetery/park.

Jessica, a West Philly yoga instructor and blogger, has had it. In “An Open Letter to People Who Let Their Dogs Off-Leash at Woodlands Cemetery,” she draws a line in the dirt. “I was once a vicious 13-year old girl,” she writes. “And given the right situation, she can return.”

Jessica originally posted this on her site, but has graciously allowed us to repost it here:  Continue Reading

Newly updated Market Street Bridge (Photos by Ben Tran)

The Market Street Bridge, which is used by more than 6,000 pedestrians every day, has just received some nice updates. University City District (UCD) once again teamed up with Groundswell Design, the landscape architecture firm behind the revamped Porch at 30th St. Station, to create enhancements to the pedestrian experience on the iconic bridge connecting West Philadelphia and Center City.

These new pedestrian-friendly elements include 120 custom, lightweight planters with lush greenery; bleacher seating that offers great views of the Schuylkill River; and four large gateway pergolas positioned at the main points of entry. The new features also help soften noise from vehicular traffic on the bridge.  Continue Reading

UPDATE: According to police, the following bike thefts have been reported in the area since Sept. 24 in addition to the incident described below:

Sept. 24: 48th and Regent; 900 block of S. 46th St.
Sept. 26: 43rd and Sansom
Sept. 27: 200 block of S. 42nd; 200 block of S. 44th; 47th and Pine

A West Philly Local reader says that his two bicycles were stolen from his front porch on the 200 block of S. Melville Street in the early morning of Monday, Sept. 28. The whole incident was captured by a surveillance camera on the building (see image below). The stills from the video that we received show two young unidentified males checking out the bikes on the porch at 3:43 a.m. on Monday. The reader says that the video shows the same two men taking the bikes. The theft has been reported to the police.  Continue Reading

Visit beautiful Garden Court homes and dine on gourmet meals on Saturday, Oct. 3.

This is a great chance to visit and learn more about one of the most beautiful West Philly neighborhoods and meet many of its wonderful residents. On Saturday, Oct. 3, everyone is invited to the annual Garden Court Community Association’s Progressive Dinner. Recently, three Garden Court blocks made it to the top 25 of the most beautiful streets in Philadelphia, and you can visit some of these homes during this event and dine on gourmet international meals. In addition, you can dance the night away at Take The Lead Dance Studio.

The event supports community projects (here‘s just one of the programs GCCA volunteers do in the area). You don’t have to be a GCCA member to attend; however members receive a perk of a discounted ticket price.  Continue Reading

Philly Thriller dancers perform in front of The Rotunda near 40th and Walnut. (Facebook photo)

Halloween is approaching fast, and the super popular local dance group Philly Thriller is seeking performers for the 7th annual Thriller-inspired flash mob-style dance routine on Halloween night. Rehearsals will begin on Friday, Oct. 16. If you’re interested to join the group, check out this announcement from the Magic Bowl Dance Company:

Always wanted to do the Thriller dance? Saw us last year and want to join in on the fun this year? Be there for a night of performing a short Thriller-inspired dance routine in the streets of West Philly!

Rehearsals pre-registration is required as space is limited!
In full costume and zombie make-up! Four Rehearsals [will be held at University City Arts League]. Must be 18 or older.  Continue Reading

The Fall season of the Clark Park Youth Soccer League (CPYSL) begins on Saturday, Oct. 3, and the popular volunteer-run program is still looking for coaches. You don’t need serious soccer skills or coaching experience in order to apply. The Fall season continues until November 23. It takes place on Saturdays at Clark Park (45th and Chester), with age groups 5-6 and 6-7 playing from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, and age groups 7-8 and 9-11 playing from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Volunteer coaches are asked to commit to being there most of the Saturdays through the season, but the program will try to have three or four coaches assigned to each team so that you will always have backup. Everyone who likes to play soccer and enjoys running around and having fun with kids is welcome to apply.  Continue Reading