On a Tuesday evening in Fairmount Park, John DiSciascio sits scribbling away on a piece of paper propped against a clipboard, writing to a friend.
“He’s away so I’m having everyone write a little something to him.”
DiSciascio, the Public Relations Director for the Friends of Sedgley Woods, spends the majority of his weeks under the shade of massive trees, surrounded by mismatched furniture, barbeque grills and an eclectic family of friends.
The 59-year-old South Philadelphia native has volunteered for the Friends of Sedgley Woods, a group that maintains the area’s disc golf course, for the last 10 years. A long-time disc golfer himself, DiSciascio took note of poor conditions of the golf course and gathered some friends to turn it around.
Located in East Fairmount Park near 33rd and Oxford Streets, the course serves as home base for DiSciascio and his group.
“We’re very conscious of the area of East Park so we work with other groups like Smith Playground—we did a butterfly garden for them,” he said. “We are way beyond our little world.”
The group is also involved with the police department, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, cyclists and ultimate Frisbee players, keeping the course and park family oriented.
Greg Decker, a recreational disc golfer originally from Lehigh Valley, has been playing at Sedgley Woods for five years.
“We come, play and leave,” Decker said of his group of friends. “But there are a lot of people who hangout throughout the day.”
Recognizing him from across the course, Decker identified DiSciascio as “the guy who runs the show.” He explained constantly seeing a large group of people who spend hours enjoying the space.
Volunteers are the heart of the operation, donating time and money to preserve the popular gathering spot.
“We try to get everyone involved to be caretakers. People come from around the country,” DiSciascio said. “It’s got a big reputation, this course. It’s a fun place.”
Be the first to comment