ALWAYS IN SEASON: Meet Your Parks & Rec Maintenance Guy

JOHN DeROCK, a maintainence worker for Parks & Recreation, keeps Marconi Plaza and Columbus Park clean and tidy. Photo by Maria Merlino

BY MARIA MERLINO/ Most people are familiar with the Monday morning blues — the dreaded start of the working week. John DeRock loves his new day job, but dreads what he might find in his outdoor office at the start of the week.

DeRock is the guy charged with cleaning up some of South Philadelphia’s local parks. If you have noticed Marconi Plaza and Columbus Parks looking a little cleaner recently, it’s because DeRock is out there shoveling trash, picking up debris and waste. “You name it, I pick it up,” DeRock says.

City Parks & Recreation hired DeRock on Apr. 18 as its trash pick-up officer, charged with collecting trash each day. His temporary contract ends on Oct. 18. DeRock’s beat includes Marconi Plaza and Columbus Parks. Monday through Friday – and every other Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m – DeRock collects the mess left inside the parks. He also takes care of Girard Park at 21st and Shunk Streets.

A lot of people think Im a volunteer, but Im a city employee, DeRock said. I live in the neighborhood and walk here.

DeRock gets to see first-hand what the aftermath of park usage brings. You get a lot of broken glass and cans because teenagers play in here, he said. Also, adults – neighbors mostly – bring their household trash and fill up the cans. I tell them that its not allowed, but it falls on deaf ears.

One man brings a bag of seafood garbage every day. I find construction materials, car parts, clothes, and appliances. It does get out of hand. There has to be some consideration or an action implemented by the local authorities like hiring local Junk Removal & Hauling Services to help with the maintenance.

Sometimes, neighbors volunteer to help, but others may be drinking a soda and toss the bottle on the ground in front of me.

DeRock had to pass a rigorous criminal and federal background check, compulsory  because children visit the park. Its important to the community that everyone feels safe, DeRock says.

“I always wear and show my ID tag, especially when the day care centers come through with the kids. I want to assure them I’m not here to hurt anyone, just do my job,”  he said. He is still waiting for his city-issued shirts, though.

HAPPY CANINE, Parker, with his human companion, Eddie, check out the new Pet Waste Station at 15th & Moyamensing Avenue. Photo by Maria Merlino

DeRock said he’s pleased the Sports Complex Special District recently installed a new dark green Pet Waste Kiosks. They will be installed soon at the park entrances across the City, but for now there is one at 15th & Moyamensing Avenue.  Pet owners who forget a clean-up bag will have no excuse for not removing their dog’s business, and affecting the quality of life for everyone.

DeRock said he enjoys his job and is happy to be outdoors making the parks and playground clean for kids. “Monday is the worst day,” he said. “I can find 200 empty beer cans and bottles in the playground alone. Maintaining the grounds during the week isn’t too bad, and I do report graffiti.”

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