FOW and Fairmont Park Install First Bio-composting Toilet in the Wissahickon

The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) and Fairmount Park staff will celebrate the installation of the first bio-composting toilet in Fairmount Park on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the WPA structure on Forbidden Drive near the Kitchen's Lane entrance to Wissahickon Valley Park. "The composting toilet will serve as a proto-type for future composting toilets in the park," says Chris Palmer, Director of Operations and Landscape Management for the Fairmount Park Commission.

FOW's Structures Crew worked with the Fairmount Park Historic Trust, Fairmount Park staff, and Bio-Sun Systems to renovate the historic structure and install the composting toilet. The project was funded in part by a grant from REI, supplier of specialty outdoor gear and clothing. "The Friends are excited to be a part of the installation of the first bio-composting toilet in Fairmount Park," says Maura McCarthy, FOW's Executive Director. "This is a great step forward for building a green infrastructure in the most important green space in our city, and this project presents a true collaboration between FOW volunteers and Fairmount Park staff."