Favorite Spot: Schuylkill River Loop/Trail

I am, a high school senior about to move on to UPenn

Years in Philly: my whole life

Dear Philadelphia,

Of all places I love to run, it has to be along your scuzzy Schuylkill River.

I know this path backwards and forwards with my eyes closed. It's there for me when it snows in October and is 90 degrees in February, for a long run or a short one. It has seen me during my best intervals and worst hill repeats. 

While it might flood every now and then or play host to annoying regattas crowding the trail, it's seen my through training for every race I've done. It's the watering hole for amateur and season runners serving a purpose- an occasionally challenging, dependable route with mile markers and drinking fountains along the way (spring to the end of fall, anyway).

My favorite thing along this route is the angels- Three Angels, actually. Really called Playing Angels, they are huge statue angels on high pillars on the banks of the river at the junction of Kelly and Fountain Green Drives. I use them as a mile marker, a rest stop and a lot of time--motivation. I repeat mantras about just getting to 'The Angels' to complete difficult runs. At one time, getting to them was the farthest I'd ever run.

It's an escape from schoolwork and busy city life without going too far from you at all. 

With love,

Jenn

It's not easy to say this but we've got a really complicated relationship. Sometimes we're right in time with each other, other times we're minutes off. Sometimes you move too fast for me, I find myself stumbling and apologizing. Other times you move too slow, making me feel like you could care less about where I have to go. There's a lot of people that need you as much as I do. From the school students, to the officer workers, to the sleepyheads. Sometimes you clean up nice and other time I just wonder how you could let yourself go. But through it all I cherish the time we spend together. You got me through a lot these past 3 and a half years. From home to school and from school to home, I couldn't do it without you. You've accepted me when I was lonely and when I came with company. I guess what I'm saying is, through all the hustle and bustle I still love you. I'll always be here to fill that empty space in your cart.

Yours Truly,

Symone

When the dense, frigid air of winter is shucked aside, I'll be found, once again, sweating or laughing along a beautiful water front. That water front is you, Schuylkill River Trail. When I used to intern with SRDC, the Schuylkill River Development Cooperation, I spent my Friday afternoons exploring and maintaining your expanse from the  "South End" (Locust Street), to the "North End" (near the Water Works). Some days the I drove the cart, though far from expertly, along your length, receiving in a breathtaking, inner city view. Other days, that statement became quite literal when I used you as a course to run along, often scoffing at your long hills. But whether I was working or working out, you brought laughter and great memories to me; one time, I spotted 17 turtles sunbathing in one day! Josh, my old employer, and I stayed incredibly still, and watched in awe as tiny turtles began to pop their heads to the surface, and nimbly plop down on the nearest log. It was the cutest thing. Other times, there were far more serene days in which it was simply enough to just gaze out into water, high or low tide, and observe small waves bumping subtly against one another. Trail, when I think of the countless hours that I've spent with you, I can only smile. Thank you for your simple beauty, and your presence that helps me aim towards my own. Thank you giving me the intangible- pieces of happiness.

Forever with Love,

Sasha Sapp

Amanda Millatt
Favorite spot:  Clark Park
Neighborhood: University City
Address: 42nd Baltimore 

I am: A Philadelphia high school senior, and a runner, a volunteer and a aspiring doctor.
Years in Philly: 18
Current Home: University City

I do not like you. I do not like any of your local summer events that I greatly anticipate during the tedious winters. I do not like attending everyone of your monthly flee markets with my best friend. I defiantly do not like getting awesome novelty items such as an accordion or locally made jewelry for amazing prices. I do not enjoy watching the  free Shakespeare theatrical productions every year with my mother, which I want to add is well put together and humorous. I do not like snow days because I always have the best time going sledding down the massive hill at the bowl. I did not enjoy spending hours playing hiding-go-seek and giggling with my middle school friends. Most of all I dislike all the unforgettable memories that I had with you. I can not simply like you, I love everything about you. Thank you Clark Park for the best eight years of my life!

Jessica

Favorite Spot: Belmont Plateau

Neighborhood: Fairmount Park

I am: High school senior

Years in Philly: Whole Life

Not many people get to experience the many wonders that you're filled with. The delicious food, the diverse cultures, the elaborate murals, the energetic sports fanatics and the sights and sounds that are all around. I however, enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the Belmont Plateau. Although not in the city, I like to admire you from afar. Looking out over the plateau seeing how pretty you are when the sun rises and when the sun sets. So, while some might like to be amongst the bustle and liveliness in the heart of the city, I find my peace at the top of the plateau gazing at the skyline of the city. I love you Philly. Thanks for being my home. 

xoxo,

  - Jessica 

spending my first 11 years living in arms reach of a city i was desperate to be part of its busy streets. my shorts doses of  the beautiful city always made my heart flutter with excitement.  Trips to  city were my brother and I's biggest treat, whether it was a trip to the municipal building with its giant board game  pieces we use to climb  or love park with its fountain we splashed in i was in love. the city felt more like home then any other place my feet had ever landed.

The older i got the more entangled i got into the beautiful city. My weekends became packed with trips to the art museum, Franklin institute, and the academy of natural sciences. everytime i would come home i would miss the sights, sounds and smells of the city. finally at the age of 11 my parents made the decision to leave the suburbs and join the city streets.

since then i can not image life outside of this place that will forever be my home. i am so wrapped up in the movement of the city. running up the art museum steps and around the loop. shopping at the farmers markets and the Uhuru flea market. Days spent traveling around center city and chilling in places like Rittenhouse square and clark park.

With adult life quickly  approaching my heart aches to wish life in the city goodbye. i will miss being so tightly winded into these city streets. I want to thank you city for stealing my heart. what your city has offered me has molded me as a  person. i will never truly leave you because you are in my heart. i will never be able to stray to far from you and i know i will raise my kids in you someday.

with all my love 

maddie