Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fairmount Park is the largest landscaped urban park in America, and contains many attractions for tourists, families, and teenagers, including Devil’s Pool. Nestled deep in the woods of the park lies a swimming hole formed by a waterfall spewing water into a deep hole between two large boulders. Devil’s Pool functions as an urban waterpark and features several different spots to jump off into the Schuylkill River and nearby tributaries to cool off on a hot summer day.
If I had to characterize Devil’s Pool with three words, I would use chaotic, exhilarating, and summer. There are always so many people there, despite the numerous “NO SWIMMING” signs. People have even have cookouts and parties there on the flatter areas down by the river. Because of the lack of regulation, supervision, and, frankly, rule of law, people bask in the pleasure of doing whatever they want, resulting in a chaotic yet always entertaining atmosphere.
Despite the craziness that comes with a summer hangout spot like Devil’s Pool, it also fulfills the adrenaline withdrawals of of thrill seekers like myself. There are five main vantage points to jump off into the water. Two are off of rocks into the swimming hole and the Schuylkill River itself, respectively. There is also a rope swing that launches people into the water and a 40 foot bridge that crosses the Schuylkill River in one of the deeper sections. The other area is a notorious bridge that towers 100+ feet over the swimming hole that has killed a few people. It has since been barricaded, deterring most logically thinking people from attempting to jump from it. I would never jump from that, nor would any of my friends, but there are still so many other thrills to provide an exhalating day of fun.
Devil’s Pool emanates the indescribable feeling of summer in a way that only a few places can compare. It’s an immersive experience for the senses, as people are always playing guitar, blasting music, and screaming. There are also people usually grilling food on the stones and maintaining a small fire, all with the constant noise of splashing and the occasional firework in the background. Some of my favorite memories involve buying cheesesteaks with my friends from a famous nearby shop, eating them at Devil’s Pool, and jumping into the water shortly after.
There are so many reasons for the city to shut down Devil’s Pool. The Schuylkill River is the 49th most polluted river in the nation, according to one study. There are no cameras, security officers, or other personnel nearby to address any issues that arise. It’s secluded and set off from the road, so if an emergency occurs, it’s difficult for first responders to come quickly. The danger of cliff jumping in any capacity also can’t be ignored. The list of reasons as to why it should be shut down could continue, but it will never be shut down. The city could have easily established a police presence on summer weekends to deter people from swimming, but they never have. They realize what Devil’s Pool means to the city. It’s a free, outdoor gateway to adventure that brings so much happiness to the residents of Philadelphia. When I grow old, I will always remember Devil’s Pool as a place where I could truly embrace my youth, have fun with my friends, and experience summer thrills in a way no other place can recreate.
Rating: 9.5/10
