The Philly Pump Track, in West Fairmount Park, on Parkside Drive, has been revitalized to the extent that the new garden is going to be entered in this year’s Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Garden and Greening Contest, which is designed to recognize community and individual efforts.
Pumping takes place by maneuvering a bicycle on an earthen track with hills and valleys without pedaling. Over the past year, staff and volunteers have landscaped the area. “I just make it more of a destination for people, other than just a pile of dirt,” says Mia Mengucci, site monitor for the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department.
Some of the features of the garden are functional. Rocks have been gathered to create small retaining walls and steps and many of the plants are there to help improve drainage and hinder erosion.
With the likelihood of 300 entries in the 2017 contest, winners will receive a sign for their garden, tickets to the 2018 PHS Flower Show and honors at a reception in November.