Travels Through Northeast Pennsylvania: Bucky Boil Park

Bucky Boil Park.

My first introduction to Bucky Boil Park was years ago. I was helping out with an event here during a rowing competition. Located in the center of Allentown it is a highly maintained park, that you really would not expect. It is hidden behind abandoned factories and is a glimmer of light in an area that has been depressed for a long time. On my first visit I was shocked, I had passed by the ally that leads to Bucky Boil, but always thought it lead to more forgotten structures.
I returned on a Saturday morning several weeks ago to take these pictures. I was surprised, when I pulled in, to see the parking lot was completely empty. The sun was shinning, the air was still and I thought I was alone walking around snapping photos. As I was taking the photo below of the pavilion, I was shocked when "Good Morning" came from a bench no more then five feet away from me. I wasn't alone. I nodded at the man who then sat up and I moved along on my way. I am adding this into my blog as a caution to you, my readers. I am almost certain this man was homeless and it is a common occurrence to run into these individuals near the river and in Parks around Allentown. I have had many run-ins with homeless and from personal experience, I know it is best to avoid them.
Despite the startling "Good Morning" the park is really nice. In the past I know events such as the rowing competition I was at, occurred often during the summer. I am not sure if these events still run in the area. I believe Lehigh Universities rowing team practices here too, but I am not sure and could not find anything online supporting that.
From the Pavilion you can see a unique sight on the river. Adam's Island is the only inhabited island on the Lehigh and unless you know someone who lives there you can only view it from a distance. Sadly, it is a private community and does not offer any access for recreation on the river.