Sign in

Save The Meadows - Philadelphia

@savethemeadows.bsky.social
65 followers 142 following 389 posts

An autonomous, decentralized campaign to save the wild acres known as the "FDR Meadows" from privatization and development. Join us at savethemeadows.com (Posts dated 1/22/25 and earlier were imported from x.com/savefdrmeadows)

PostsRepliesMedia
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The Fairmount Park “Conservancy” has installed the first artificial turf in the Meadows. This is the first of 16 playing fields it plans to put in FDR Park. Over 30 acres of toxic plastic, replacing woodlands and meadows, at enormous cost to our city, the health of our youth, and our environment.
savethemeadows.com
Where once there were trees — SAVE the MEADOWS
Artificial turf has been installed on the first of a planned 16 playing fields in the FDR Park Meadows.
031
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
That's the artificial turf the City of Philadelphia is installing everywhere it can — including 30 acres of it in FDR Park.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"Players' cleats were melting and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni needed an IV as a result of extreme heat conditions at Nissan Stadium during Sunday's game between Philadelphia and the Tennessee Titans ... The temperature on the turf reached 157 degrees Fahrenheit"
espn.com
Nashville turf temps of 157 F melt cleats, send Sirianni for IV
Players cleats were melting and head coach Nick Sirianni needed an IV as a result of extreme heat conditions at Nissan Stadium during Sunday's game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, a 24-20 Eagles win.
141
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
So, to be clear, the city "typically" follows Pennsylvania environment law, except when it would inconvenience the Phillies? Or just when it's inconvenient in general?
inquirer.com
Philly Parks and Rec leader approved the unpermitted work at an FDR Park field
Parks and Rec Commissioner Susan Slawson said she approved renovations to FDR Park's Ashburn Field without required state permits "to accommodate the MLB All-Star Game."
031
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
PPR Commissioner Slawson "authorized" illegal construction of turf field in FDR Park, according to ... Slawson. Great reporting from @whyynews.bsky.social
whyy.org
Philly Parks and Rec head says she greenlit Phillies’ unpermitted turf field for 250
A former DEP commissioner says the city did not have the authority to skirt state laws in order to make the 250th deadline.
021
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This job description has a lot of clean. But where's the green?
linkedin.com
City of Philadelphia hiring Director, Clean and Green Initiatives - MDO in Philadelphia, PA | LinkedIn
Posted 1:00:19 PM. A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Somebody has some explaining to do.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Either the Phillies are lying, or someone in our city government greenlighted this violation even though the City can’t override state law — which is something that both the City and the Phillies know.
Phila. Inquirer screenshot. 
Headline: Phillies' turf project lacks permit, DEP says. 
Links to: https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-phillies-artificial-turf-ashburn-field-pennsylvania-dep-permit-20260824.html
122
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The turf was installed illegally. The City can't legalize an illegal act. You have to get the permit before you do the work. The proper remedy is to require removal. @delriverkeeper.bsky.social @cleanh2opa.bsky.social @pasenatorsaval.com @pennfuture.bsky.social @cleanaircouncil.bsky.social
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Permit? We don't need no stinking permit! That's what the Phillies seem to think. Blockbuster article in @inquirer.com on the new artificial turf at FDR Park's Ashburn Field. @phillies.bsky.social
inquirer.com
Phillies installed artificial turf at FDR Park field without environmental permit, record shows
The field was completed in time for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July.
110
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Somehow this destruction goes under the radar, since the city and its partner, the Fairmount Park Conservancy (!) did an end run around Council, avoiding all public accountability. The scale of the $250M plan is incredible: drive.google.com/file/d/1-cSJ...
drive.google.com
FDRmeadowsclearing-maps.pdf
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Mayor Parker may talk a good game. But her Parks Dept is razing tree canopy on a huge scale. Thousands of mature trees in FDR Park including many "protected" heritage trees are being mowed down so the city can install 32 acres of toxic turf sports fields. It's a climate disaster. savethemeadows.com
110
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Pa. DEP requirements exist for a reason: to protect our waterways, watersheds, and the people and wildlife that depend on them. Why do the Phillies think they can ignore them? Chapter 102 § 102.5: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/025/chapter102/s102.5.html
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
What's more, the Phillies built the field without waiting for the Pa. DEP to approve the required environmental permit. They got deficiency letters from @pennsylvaniadep.bsky.social, but they just went ahead: docs.google.com/document/d/1Qfjfx_xTF9etMIRoYJDyPsChCKgP5-UkUgv5kloFveM/
docs.google.com
Links for Phillies' Richie Ashburn turf
Artificial turf installation at Ashburn Field - DEP Permit and project timeline Since 1998, the Philadelphia Phillies have maintained two city-owned baseball fields in FDR Park and used them for thei...
100
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
It's not just heat. Artificial turf also means more injuries, more microplastics, and more cancer-causing PFAS. More at: bit.ly/artificial-turf-facts This is doing our youth no favors. The Phillies should know better.
bit.ly
Artificial Turf: Facts with Sources, from STM
ARTIFICIAL TURF: Facts with sources Last updated: July 2026 • Online with links to sources at bit.ly/artificial-turf-facts Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy have made man...
110
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
The @phillies.com just AstroTurfed one of the two baseball fields they maintain in FDR Park. We measured its surface temperature at 134° — over 40 degrees higher than the grass field. It was only 86° out. On hotter days, turf can go over 170°, endangering players and increasing global warming.
youtube.com
Testing turf temps at Ashburn Field, FDR Park
YouTube video by Save the Meadows
142
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
🌳 ARBORLOGUES 🌳 is coming to Philly! On Sat July 18 & Sun July 19 only. It's a theatrical experience like no other — don't miss it! More info: docs.google.com/document/d/1... Reserve your time slot now: www.eventbrite.com/e/arborlogue...
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Apparently they didn't read this:
inquirer.com
Six former Phillies died from the same brain cancer. We tested the Vet’s turf and found dangerous chemicals.
Tests run on two samples of old Vet Stadium turf found it contained 16 different types of PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances — so-called “forever chemicals."
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The kids will surely be thanking the Phillies for replacing the natural grass at the Richie Ashburn fields in FDR with this burning hot, PFAS-laden toxic turf. What in the world are the @phillies.com thinking? More in this letter to the Inquirer: www.inquirer.com/opinion/lett...
110
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Phila. City Council authorized the city to hand over public property in FDR Park to a private organization — asking nothing in return. This letter in the Inquirer points out the folly. www.inquirer.com/opinion/lett...
Photo: The former guardhouse in FDR Park, a pale beige 2-story brick building with reddish roof, with blue sign in foreground that reads "Welcome Center."
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
It's not only PFAS. As artificial turf breaks down under use, it becomes a major source of microplastics in our soil, waterways (like the ones they plan to "restore" in FDR Park) and oceans. theconversation.com/microplastic...
theconversation.com
Microplastics are everywhere in Pennsylvania’s water – but the tide may be turning
An environmental engineer who mapped microplastic pollution in three of Pennsylvania’s watersheds explains what it means for our health.
011
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Free version of article: share.inquirer.com/izkKra Facts about toxic turf: bit.ly/artificial-t...
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
It's sad to see Major League Baseball spend millions on toxic turf in FDR Park. Just like Phila Parks & Rec, which plans to put over 30 acres of turf in the FDR Meadows, the MLB could fix up neglected grass fields in underserved parts of the city — instead of exposing kids to PFAS. @phillies.com
inquirer.com
North Philly coaches feel overlooked by MLB’s decision to not invest in their baseball programs
MLB will renovate Ashburn Field in FDR Park, among other initiatives, through funding from the All-Star Legacy program, which benefits host cities of the annual showcase.
310
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The Pa. House has passed legislation banning PFAS in common consumer products! Artificial turf is not included in the ban, but this is a step toward a wider ban on these toxins. Join us & @cleanh2opa.bsky.social — ask your Pa. senator to support this bill: act.cleanwater.org/page/185027/...
act.cleanwater.org
Fighting for PFAS Free Products!
PFAS are a group of thousands of human-made toxic chemicals used for their ability to repel dirt, water, and grease. Exposure to PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health problems. Clean Wat...
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
It's World Environment Day! Come on out to FDR Park for a casual picnic and get-together with Meadows defenders. Kind of a pot-luck if you feel like bringing something. Sign up at actionnetwork.org/events/happy... or just stop by!
actionnetwork.org
Happy Hour and Picnic
Come on out to FDR Park to meet and relax with your fellow Meadows defenders at a casual potluck and community hang-out near the entrance to the Meadows. Bring something to eat or drink to share, if...
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Wondering what happened? Council (predictably) passed both bills — authorizing a sweetheart lease deal with the Fairmount Park Conservancy, and nominating appointees to the revived Parks and Rec Commission. See youtu.be/uNQzO20eo0U for a quick overview.
youtu.be
June 4, 2026 Philadelphia City Council meeting - Parks-related extracts
YouTube video by Save the Meadows
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Fairmount Park Conservancy could pay next to nothing to take over the Welcome Center, use it as a fancy rental venue, and keep all the revenue. The public owns it and paid for most of the reno. This is a giveaway.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
On Thursday, Phila Council votes on a sweetheart deal to hand over part of FDR Park for up to 26 years with no requirement for any public use. Tell Council: STOP PRIVATIZING OUR PARKS docs.google.com/document/d/1... @cmthomasphl.bsky.social @kendraphlcouncil.bsky.social @ruephilacouncil.bsky.social
Photo: The FDR Park Welcome Center, with blue sign in foreground: "Welcome Center"
220
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
The state of Pennsylvania values meadows so much. It will help you grow a "pocket meadow"! Free version: archive.ph/7FCZW Meanwhile it's helping Philadelphia destroy almost 100 acres of meadows in FDR Park. drive.google.com/file/d/1-cSJ...
inquirer.com
Cut back on mowing your lawn and grow a ‘pocket meadow’ with a free kit from Pa.
To encourage “meadowscaping,” or “rewilding,” Pennsylvania this week is giving away seed mixes that cover 1,000 square feet. Unlike lawns, meadows don't require regular mowing or watering.
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Thursday April 23 6–8pm: Join our ally Clean Water Action for a post–Earth Day happy hour at the Evil Genius taproom in Fishtown @cleanh2opa.bsky.social
act.cleanwater.org
Evil Beer Does Good...For The Planet. Join us for Happy Hour in Philadelphia!
Raise a glass to protecting the planet by joining Clean Water Action and Evil Genius Beer Co. for happy hour event at their taproom in Fishtown. Evil Genius Beer Co. is donating $1 for every beer sold...
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Greener? Maybe greenwashing. Bulldozing mature tree canopy and filling wetlands to put in toxic artificial turf is not ecological restoration. Phila. Parks & Rec and the Fairmount Park Conservancy honor Earth Day by celebrating ecocide. www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
inquirer.com
Earth Day and the promise of a greener Philadelphia | Opinion
In our city, progress in the fight against pollution and environmental degradation lives in the parks, waterways, and public spaces that shape daily life for millions of residents.
020
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
The Fight For FDR — April's cover story in Grid Philly magazine! "Despite the odds, park advocates continue their efforts to save the meadows" gridphilly.com/blog-home/2026/04/04/south-phillys-fdr-park-renovation-proceeds-as-lawsuit-challenges-its-legality/
Cover of Grid magazine, April 2026, Issue 203. Main title "the FIGHT for FDR" over a collage of photos of FDR Park.
022
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Funny thing — a $250M PPR project, the most controversial Parks project in Philadelphia, lacking in funding to go forward, and running over a year late. And not a single question about it from Council, or even a mention. Video: www.youtube.com/@PhillyCityCouncil/videos (likely to post on Thurs)
youtube.com
Philadelphia City Council
The official account of the legislative branch of Philadelphia municipal government. To ensure the City of Philadelphia can communicate in an effective and meaningful way with all of its citizens, the...
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Nope, nothing on FDR from Gauthier.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Let’s remember that Councilmember Gauthier headed the Fairmount Park Conservancy while it was creating the FDR Park Plan.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Councilmember Jamie Gautier says she’s going to have a few questions about capital projects. Let’s see if FDR park is among them.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
The FDR Park Plan has nothing to do with “equity, sustainability, and responsibility.” And PPR is not “maintaining its tree canopy” — it’s mowing it down and selling the lumber.
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
The next panel — Parks & Rec along with Free Library — is finally starting. With commissioner Susan Slawson.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Seems as if Human Services ran overtime from this morning. It’s question time for them now. Testimony from Parks & Rec (and also Libraries) should be coming up when Council is done with this.
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Check schedule: phlcouncil.com/budget2027/ Watch live: phlcouncil.com/watch-city-council/ Watch after video is posted: www.youtube.com/@PhillyCityCouncil/videos Public testimony on all depts is held separately, on May 6.
phlcouncil.com
FY2027 Budget Center - Philadelphia City Council
000
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Today at 1pm, Philadelphia Parks & Rec testifies on its budget for FY2027, in City Hall 400. Another dept is also testifying, but it looks like Parks goes first. Last year Commissioner Sue Slawson told Council the FDR Park Plan was "funded completely" (see video). Not true then, not true now.
youtu.be
Committee of Whole: Budget Hearing 04-16-25 Morning
YouTube video by Philadelphia City Council
710
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Want to help these neighbors bring the fight to the next level? Pitch in a little something at actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...
actionnetwork.org
Help support the lawsuit to save the Meadows in FDR Park
Please join me in helping to pay the costs of legal actions to stop the destruction of the FDR Meadows, including this lawsuit: https://archive.ph/ZiHzX They have pro bono legal representation, but ge...
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
"Ultimately, one of the reasons Woods-Skipper didn’t grant a preliminary injunction was because the court found it would 'adversely affect the public interest.'” —@inquirer.com Apparently she feels the public is better served by 30 acres of toxic, PFAS-laden artificial turf than trees and nature.
inquirer.com
Critics of FDR Park’s renovation to appeal court decision after a blow to their case
Notably, the judge knocked down key points raised by residents. Points their attorney was to raise again in April with the same judge.
110
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
A setback for the South Philly neighbors suing to stop the FDR Park Plan and save the Meadows. Orphans Court Judge Woods-Skipper denies them a preliminary injunction. But they're not giving up — they're taking it to Commonwealth Court. More at docs.google.com/document/d/1...
112
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
6:30pm Fri at Headhouse Books: The Problem with Plastic An evening with author Judith Enck & @whyy.org's Susan Phillips RSVP: headhousebooks.com/event/2026-0... @judithenck.bsky.social @beyondplastics.bsky.social
121
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Want to know more about the dangers of artificial turf? See bit.ly/artificial-t...
bit.ly
Artificial Turf: Facts with Sources PUB
ARTIFICIAL TURF: Facts with sources Last updated: Jan 30, 2025 • Online with links to sources at bit.ly/artificial-turf-facts Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy have made ...
001
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
A parent of a young South Philly athlete started a petition to stop the city from installing more toxic artificial turf fields, like the one at Murphy Rec. If you or your child plays sports in Philadelphia, take a moment to sign. Your park could be next. bit.ly/choosegrassnotplastic
bit.ly
Sign the Petition
Choose Grass, Not Plastic. Choose safe, healthy playing fields for Philly kids.
121
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
FDR Park Meadows Walk ❄️ POSTPONED ❄️ one week, due to predicted storm. New date: March 1. bit.ly/meadowswalk222
010
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
FDR Park Meadows Walk - Sun Feb 22 10am-noon Join us for a lovely stroll through 100 acres of urban forest and meadow west of Shedbrook Creek, and learn how you can help protect South Philly's last natural area. Details & RSVP: bit.ly/meadowswalk222
Photo of pond edge in the FDR Meadows, in winter, showing trees, water and sky.
100
Save The Meadows - Philadelphia @savethemeadows.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Who's up for another round? 🌳 Meadows defenders 🌳, that's who! Join us in Phila. City Hall courtroom 425 on Tues or Wed. Come early, come late, come whenever — it's all good! Details: docs.google.com/document/d/14JtEZish1L1yyAxSnI5Lbk-Z2JqamcXBNNBE2ReCoBM/
whyy.org
South Philly residents’ lawsuit against FDR Park renovations moves forward
After a three-day hearing, a judge disagreed with the city that the residents waited too long to sue. The residents want the judge to halt renovations.
010