WHEREAS, Fairmount Park encompasses over 2,000 acres of parkland in Philadelphia and serves as a critical public space for recreation, community gatherings, and cultural events; and
WHEREAS, The Fairmount Park Police once operated as the 92nd Police District, a dedicated force with specific expertise in patrolling and protecting park areas, until it was merged into the Philadelphia Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Since the merger, concerns have been raised by residents, park users, and safety advocates about the adequacy of law enforcement presence and responsiveness within Philadelphia’s extensive park system; and
WHEREAS, On Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, a mass shooting occurred on Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park during a public holiday gathering, resulting in 2 deaths and multiple injuries, raising further alarm about public safety in the City’s parks; and
WHEREAS, The unique character of Philadelphia’s Park spaces, including their geography, accessibility, and volume of visitors demands specialized public safety strategies and potentially a dedicated force with park-specific training; and
WHEREAS, A reconsideration of the 92nd Police District’s reinstatement presents an opportunity to assess whether a specialized unit would improve safety outcomes and enhance community trust and well-being within park spaces; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to examine the potential reinstatement of the 92nd Police District, formerly the Fairmount Park Police, in light of recent incidents of gun violence, including the Memorial Day shooting on Lemon Hill and the overall safety of Philadelphia’s park system.
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