Reservoir Park
With spring in full bloom, Harrisburg parks are looking colorful, but, according to some, not quite green enough.
On Wednesday, at a press conference in Reservoir Park, the city received a $25,000 check from The GIANT Company, Stonyfield Organic and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods to help Harrisburg transition to organic grounds maintenance.
“COVID-19 has shown us how important our parks are,” said Kim Konte, founder of Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, which seeks to rid parks of harmful synthetic pesticides. “We are excited that Harrisburg is going to be a leader in this.”
Konte said that they have worked with parks officials in Philadelphia and Allentown.
Stonyfield and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods will provide Harrisburg with technical support and guidance on how to maintain the city’s parks with organic and safe resources.
According to Dave Baker, director of city parks in Harrisburg, the department has been limited in the changes they could make up until this point.
“It’s an uphill battle if you don’t have the right resources,” he said.
The city has 27 parks, playgrounds and pools, Baker said, spreading money and manpower thin.
Giant and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods officials present Harrisburg with a $25,000 check.
He sees the partnership with GIANT, Stonyfield and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods as a chance to combine forces and move forward with making the switch to organic.
“We are looking at the same problem that we’ve always had with a different view,” he said.
Changes to maintenance may include using all-natural pesticides and weed killers or employing the help of goats to eat weeds and poisonous plants.
These changes can protect children from being exposed to health risks that pesticides can cause, Konte said.
Baker said that, with support from Non-Tox Neighborhoods, the city will decide which new practices are feasible.
“We are committed to green and sustainable parks practices,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “We will be able to do a lot with this wonderful donation.”
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