The Water Tower Advisory Council (WTAC), a group of volunteers working to support the Water Tower Recreation Center in Chestnut Hill, is currently fundraising to improve the grounds of the historic building. There will be a benefit to support these efforts on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Venetian Social Club from 7-10 p.m.

Over the past few years, WTAC has worked on several projects to enhance both the interior and exterior of the recreation center. From 2022-23, the council raised $115,000 through a grassroots effort. In 2024, these funds were used for the “Light Up the Tower” project, which added lighting to the tower for the first time since it was built in 1859. Additional upgrades included lampposts, lighting the World War II memorial plaques, repairing the sidewalk, and installing a sign describing the tower’s history.

More recently, the City of Philadelphia funded a $2.3 million project to add new windows, doors, and lights, as well as complete repairs to the roof, steps, and Wissahickon schist stonework on the building’s exterior. According to Mary Pomichter, a WTAC volunteer, these improvements were a big step in the right direction but more work remains to be done.

“Although substantial, these improvements do not address the grounds in front of the recreation center, which are in need of attention,” Pomichter said.

Current improvement efforts

The current goal of WTAC is to raise $100,000 to fund better landscaping, lighting, signage, and gardens. Pomichter said these efforts will “bring better security and natural beauty to the grounds in front of the building, which are now somewhat obscured by overgrowth and trash.”

As with previous projects, WTAC plans to engage with local gardeners and contractors invested in the community to make the center more inviting.

As of late October, WTAC is one-third of the way towards its $100,000 goal. The council has applied for grants from organizations such as the Chestnut Hill Business District and the Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill.

“We’ve been continuing to reach out to the community in various ways. We’re a grassroots effort,” Pomichter told the Local. “This is a small project where we reach out to people who love the Water Tower.”

A fundraising celebration

At the fundraising event at the Venetian Social Club on Nov. 21, guests can expect food, drinks, and community. WTAC will show a multimedia presentation and host a silent auction, while the local band 2nd Story Walk Up will provide live music.

There will be a signature cocktail and mocktail, called Tower Power. The drink includes ginger beer, apple cider, and lime, with an optional addition of tequila. Local politicians are invited to the event, as well as everyone in the community who is interested in learning more about the Water Tower.

According to Pomichter, WTAC is trying to ensure the Water Tower is a beautiful space for generations to come. The council wants to “build with love.”

“Our community deserves a recreation center building and grounds that are welcoming, safe and attractive,” Pomichter said.

The Water Tower Recreation Center’s fundraiser will be on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Venetian Social Club (8030 Germantown Ave.) from 7-10 p.m. Purchase tickets at wtrec.org.

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.