Joint Statement from the Cities of Allentown and Reading: "Illegal Swimming, Littering, and Unsafe Gatherings in Waterways Will Not Be Tolerated"

Posted In: Mayor's Office Parks & Recreation

Date: July 15, 2025

As summer temperatures rise, both the City of Allentown and the City of Reading are seeing an increase in dangerous, illegal activity in and around local waterways — particularly at Riverfront Park in Reading and various creeks and park areas in Allentown including Jordan, Canal, Trout Creek, and Fountain Parks.

July 15, 2025 — As summer temperatures rise, both the City of Allentown and the City of Reading are seeing an increase in dangerous, illegal activity in and around local waterways — particularly at Riverfront Park in Reading and various creeks and park areas in Allentown including Jordan, Canal, Trout Creek, and Fountain Parks.

Today, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and Reading Mayor Eddie Morán are joining forces to raise public awareness and call for compliance with existing laws that prohibit swimming in undesignated waterways and outline appropriate conduct in city parks.

“The gatherings at Riverfront Park have gotten out of hand,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Morán. “The noise, the trash, the swimming in the river. We have rules, and we're going to enforce them to keep everyone safe. I'm especially frustrated because a lot of this is coming from our own community. We need to do better. Riverfront Park is not a beach. I'm grateful to join forces with Mayor Tuerk, because this isn't just a Reading problem — our cities are dealing with the same issue, and we're standing together to say it won't be tolerated.”

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk echoed those sentiments, adding, “Allentown is the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley, and a destination for families looking to enjoy our incredible park system. We welcome visitors who respect the natural beauty of our city and our city’s rules. Our swimming pools and park pavilions offer safe and affordable options for visitors all
summer long. Give our first responders and parks employees a break, and give everyone a chance to enjoy Allentown. Don’t let a $100 ticket ruin your summer.”

In Allentown, Ordinance § 425-17 strictly prohibits swimming or bathing in creeks and waterways within city parks unless a location is specifically designated for that activity. No natural waterway is currently designated.

In Reading, Chapter 396-305 and 396-306 of the City Code restrict disorderly conduct, prohibit unauthorized gatherings, and clearly ban entering or swimming in public waterways.
Both cities’ police and park departments, as well as fire/rescue personnel, have responded to repeated incidents involving illegal swimming, large-scale gatherings without permits, littering, and emergency rescues —putting a strain on resources and creating public safety risks.

Residents and visitors are reminded:
• Swimming in creeks, rivers, or city waterways is not permitted.
• Littering, noise violations, and unpermitted group events are subject to enforcement.
• Use designated city pools, splash pads, and recreation programs for safe summer fun.

This is a regional issue, and both cities will be working together — along with their respective police departments and fire officials — to step up enforcement and educate the public.

City of Allentown Media Contact: Genesis Ortega, (484) 357-3002, Genesis.Ortega@allentownpa.gov
City of Reading Media Contact: Noel Acosta III, (484) 890-1517, Noel.Acosta@ReadingPa.gov

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