For years, Darby Creek in Delaware County’s Rolling Green Park was the spot where residents went to swim or float on inner tubes during hot summer days, writes Zoe Greenberg for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
However, the township officially banned swimming at the creek this summer for several practical reasons, including a lack of lifeguards, no water quality checks, and no bathrooms.
What was not among the reasons for the ban were unwarranted fears and rumors that undocumented immigrants were swimming naked in the creek and leaving trash behind.
The widely circulated but baseless rumors caused an uproar on social media and were repeatedly discussed during Delaware County Council’s weekly meetings, even though it does not manage the municipal park. Residents even threatened council members with violence.
Springfield Township passed a new ordinance in June at a special Board of Commissioners meeting stating that “no bathing or swimming in township parks” would be allowed from then on.
Jim Byrne, Springfield Township solicitor, reiterated that the ban had “nothing at all to do with immigrants.”
Not everybody was happy with the decision.
“People should be able to cool off. It’s water,” said Rebecca Zangari, a Clifton Heights resident.
Read more about Darby Creek in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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