Spring 2004 - The Voice by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

Richard Kelly

Desperate Times Call for Creative Measures Our park restoration efforts are facing the most serious financial challenge in the history of the PPC. The money shortfall facing the City of Pittsburgh is taking a toll on the 1,700 acres of urban parkland that thousands of Pittsburghers enjoy every year. By now you all know of the large-scale city layoffs announced last summer, many of which included important staff who worked on behalf of the parks. At that time, the four largest parks – Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley – remained relatively unscathed because of their status as Allegheny Regional Asset District parks. However the situation remains unsure. While it is impossible to overstate the importance of the Allegheny Regional Asset District funding, in the budget approved by City Council in January, the parks will be taking a very big hit. First: The pools in Highland, Riverview and Schenley are slated to be closed this summer, leaving thousands of children without a vital summertime activity. Second: Popular events such as concerts, movies and running events are

in jeopardy. However, on a positive note, our Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy budget is balanced. We are in good financial shape. And we at the PPC are open to working with both city and county leaders to examine innovative ideas for cost-sharing for better parks. But as a non-profit partner of the City of Pittsburgh we simply do not have the current assets necessary to carry a much bigger load ourselves. We cannot save the parks alone. In plain English: the future of our parks hangs in the balance. The antidote? If Pittsburgh is going to have these wonderful parks, then our citizens must boldly step forward. First, we urge you to become advocates for parks. Tell your elected official how much they mean to you. Second, we must all work together to save our parks. So speak out for parks. Volunteer with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as an Urban Eco Steward and utilize your community organizations to join together to save our parks. With spring around the corner I invite you to take a walk in one of our great parks, experience the fresh air and take stock of what these important natural resources have to offer.

Letters To The Editor

We want your feedback. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy welcomes letters to the editor. Letters may be edited. All submissions become the property of the PPC. Please send them to: The Voice, 2000 Technology Drive, Suite #300, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Schenley Plaza: The Parking Dilemma

For some time now I have wanted to ask you a question regarding the changes planned for the entrance of Oakland, and in particular the plaza in front of the Carnegie Library. My family lives in Oakland at the boarder of Shadyside and we are very interested in the proposed planning as reported by the press. First let me assure you that we are delighted with the plans to beautify Oakland, as it is probably the most important part of Pittsburgh from an outsider point of view. So many parents bring their students here, and so many patients come from around the world for care. My question deals with parking. Why has not an underground parking option been addressed? So many large cities have created underground parking with planting at street level (as our own Mellon square.) The present use of the plaza for parking is rather horrible, but certainly indispensable. Will there be parking under the plaza in the plans to come? In addition, for people with disabilities, it is almost impossible to park and go to the library for a brief visit. Yet the Carnegie Library is one great asset we should be able to access easily by car. You are to be congratulated many times for the superb work you are doing for our Parks. Colette Jousse Wilkins Oakland Editor’s Note: We are so glad you are delighted with the plans to reclaim Schenley Plaza as a great public space. Underground parking is a wonderful idea. Unfortunately when the team checked into it, it turned out to be quite cost-prohibitive because of the engineering challenges. The site is basically a stream valley, which was filled in with rubble and dirt taken from the Grant Street hump. There is even a bridge buried under the Mary Schenley

fountain. Estimates have run as high as $50,000 per space to build underground parking! With that possibility ruled out, plans have been made to increase the short-term on-street metered parking to 110 spaces. We’ve also checked with the Oakland Task Force Parking Study Committee, which says that they’ve identified 178 underutilized spaces in private lots and institutional parking facilities that are regularly available during peak times. A plan is now being developed to maximize utilization of existing parking and to help the public find available spaces.

A Call to Citizens

The saga known as Pittsburgh's budget crisis contains two lessons. First, if we don't do anything, then nothing will get done. We, in this case of parks and caretakers, means volunteers, parents, coaches, neighbors, teachers and citizens. We can fix this. And we must act to do so. Closed outdoor pools and rec centers provide opportunities for others to rise and meet the challenge. Second, at the parks we teach our kids how to play well with others. Parks and crossing guards were the first to go and the hardest hit. Playing well with the public and other agencies is key to the City fixing our future. Though the oversight board might straighten the budget and mend services, it will overlook the kids. We must work among ourselves to care for the little ones and the teens. Grassroots efforts to better handle the places and programs where we all come to play are starting. All are welcome to open community meetings on these issues. Mark Rauterkus Mt. Washington Mark Rauterkus is a member of the Mt.Washington community club. If you are interested in participating, contact Mark at Mark04@Rauterkus.com.

Schenley Plaza Parking Under Study A parking study commissioned by the Oakland Task Force and the Allegheny Conference Oakland Investment Committee (and being overseen by the Oakland Task Force Parking Study Committee) is underway. The study has found that closing the Schenley Plaza lot results in the loss of 278 spaces and will have minimal impact on visitors during weekday evenings and weekends. There is a need to address parking during the week between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. As part of the Plaza and Roadway design work, there will be 110 new metered spaces added around Schenley Plaza for a total of 233 metered spaces. In addition, the parking consultants have identified 178 underutilized spaces that are regularly available during the weekday peak period in private parking lots and on-street transient spaces and in institutional parking facilities. The consultants have concluded that the underutilization of these other locations is largely because there are so few general public parking signs in Oakland. As part of the next phase of the study, the consultants will be developing a conceptual signage plan to help the public find these spaces and exploring whether there are opportunities to maximize utilization of some existing parking operations. Ellen Brooks Allegheny Conference for Community Development

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New Menus for Visitor Center Second Anniversary By Abbie Pauley

ittsburghers who love gourmet food can now visit the Schenley Park Visitor Center for fine fare in a beautiful park setting. In January, the Conservancy launched Gourmet in the Park, a tasting series where guests mingled with top chefs, learned their culinary secrets and then feasted on gourmet samplings. The sold out series proved to be a lively way to spend a few cold winter nights. In addition, in February, Copper Pot Catering started serving new lunch options at the Visitor Center. New items include chicken caesar wraps, vegetarian asian salad, and hot entrees on Thursdays during Lectures with a View. “The Schenley Park Visitor Center is now a destination for a terrific dining experience,” says Meg Cheever, president of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The Schenley Park Visitor Center – the second showcase project of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy – turned two years old in December 2003. Since the grand opening in 2001, thousands of visitors have flocked to the restored building to have lunch on the terrace, listen to a lecture, shop for gift items or find park information. Many also enjoy programs such as the docent-led walks through the parks or “tyke hikes” led by the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute. After enjoying lunch, visitors can learn more about the park’s rich cultural and environmental history by reading the many signs completed by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy last year. The interior signs include a large set of historical park postcard images such as the grand casino, band shell, racetrack and famed buried Bellefield Bridge with detailed descriptions of the historic treasures. The outdoor signs focus on the plants and animals of the park, which will help hikers identify the critters that inhabit the park. The Visitor Center is available for rental for private parties, business

(above) From left, Jane Citron, event chair, Michael Uricchio, Laforêt chef and Meg Cheever, PPC president, pose behind the chef station during February’s Gourmet in the Park tasting. (right) The Schenley Park Visitor Center celebrates its 2nd anniversary.

Alice Enz

events, meetings, weddings and receptions. It is equipped with a stateof-the-art multi-media system including projector, screen and video system. A discount is available for non-profit meetings and the café is open upon request. The Visitor Center is open daily in the spring from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the new food, Visitor Center events or for rental questions, please call 412-687-1800 or visit our website at www.pittsburghparks.org.

Feast of Invasive Plants “Knot” for Picky Eaters By Jillian Shoemaker

he Japanese Knotweed Festival will be cooking up some fun on Saturday, April 10th in Highland Park. This festival, sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (WPFI), will explore ways to create culinary delights from the invasive species Japanese knotweed. The Volunteers work to remove the invasive species Japanese knotweed. The invasive plant blankets the menu will feature knot park, shading out native plant species. soup, steamed knotweed sesame and apple knotweed pie. Other activities will include educational discussions on the detrimental effects of invasive species and short hikes to harvest Japanese knotweed and sample other wild edibles. Japanese knotweed is an herbaceous perennial and a member of the buckwheat family. It is an aggressive, bushy plant that grows from 4 to 10 feet in height and has triangular, pointed, leaves. The weed grows quickly, spreads underground, shades out native species, and steals valuable resources that results in reduced biodiversity in the parks. Once this invasive plant is established it is extremely difficult to control and eradicate. Mary Beth Steisslinger, restoration coordinator of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, said Japanese knotweed “out-competes any native shrub and groundcover vegetation next to which it grows. You can practically watch it grow.” This plant, native to Asia, was introduced into North America in the late nineteenth century. Japanese knotweed is now distributed throughout most of the eastern United States. In western Pennsylvania it is

Mary Beth Steisslinger

predominately found on the edges of many islands in the Allegheny and Ohio rivers and along creeks. Locally, this plant can be found in Highland Park. “Speaking about eating raises awareness,” said WPFI program director Sean Brady. He said he hoped the festival would make park users aware of the detrimental effect Japanese knotweed has on our parks. The cost of admission is $10 for WPFI members, $12 for non-members, and kids are free. Participants can enjoy Highland Park’s many amenities for families, including nature trails, the new babbling brook, a fishing pond, reservoir, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. The event will run from 2 to 5 p.m. Recipes by New York naturalist Steve Brill will be available. For more information and additional activities, visit Western Pennsylvania Field Institute’s website: www.wpfi.org or call 412.255.0564.

TRY OUR NEW LUNCH MENU!! SAVE 10 % OFF OF ANY SANDWICH, WRAP OR SALAD

Schenley Park Visitor Center Cafe 101 Panther Hollow Road Spring Hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Limit one coupon per customer, offer expires June 1, 2004

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Meet Bob Lacki

Riverview Park Foreman Reveals What Makes His Park Special Interview by Jessica Todarello

ob is a 23-year veteran employee of Pittsburgh’s Public Works Department. In 1999 he was promoted to Park Foreman of Riverview Park.

Q: What makes Riverview Park different from the other city parks? A: The Observatory is unique to Riverview. Also the overhanging trees along the loop road have grown to form a beautiful canopy that shades the road as it winds through the park. There is also horseback riding, which is not in any other parks.

Jessica Todarello

Bob Lacki, foreman of Riverview Park, talks about Riverview Park’s famous loop road.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing Riverview Park? A: Vandalism is frustrating. Littering and illegal dumping is also a problem, especially after large events such as Cinema in the Park.

Q: What community groups are active in the park and what are their roles? A: The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Friends of Riverview Park, the Riverview Park Alliance and the Observatory Hill Inc. have helped in maintaining the flower beds and trails and in keeping the park beautiful. They are also involved in Earth Day and the Day of Caring. Q: What have the volunteer crews achieved in the last year? A: They have planted trees, installed trails, worked to control invasive species and helped with erosion control along the hillsides. Q: How would a restored Chapel Shelter affect the use of the park? A: It will encourage more people to come into the park and use the restored facility. Q: What is the most interesting historical fact about the park that the public doesn’t know? A: When my dad was younger, teenagers would go to Snyder’s Point, back then known as “Jinks Hill,” to hang out at the Roadhouse that was there. It was destroyed by a fire. He also said that a merry-go-round, at the site of the present day Activities Building, was a popular meeting place. Guys, dressed up in suits and hats, would bring their dates on the weekends.

Riverview Park Trail Maps Now Available detailed map of Riverview Park highlighting the trails, pedestrian routes and park features is available for $2 at the Schenley Park Visitor Center and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy office. The map, which follows the publication of Schenley and Frick park maps, has been one of the most frequently requested items from park users over the last five years. Staff of the PPC, local volunteers and members of the City of Pittsburgh worked for more than a year on the Geographical Information Systems or GIS-based map, which includes the main amenities of Riverview Park and all pedestrian routes and primary trails (with distances). The back of the map includes colorful photos and contact information. The Highland Park map, the final map to be completed, is in the works with an anticipated release of winter 2004. For a copy of the maps, call or visit the PPC offices (412.682.7275) at 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 or the Schenley Park Visitor Center (412.687.1800) at 101 Panther Hollow Road. A.P.

Take Historic Walks In Schenley Historic walking tours of Schenley Park are running now through October 17th. Visitor Center docents will lead walks at 1 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month. Tours will include information on the history, sculpture and environment of the park. The walks are free and open to the public and reservations are not needed. Meet in front of the Schenley Park Visitor Center. Call 412.687.1800 or visit our website at www.pittsburghparks.org for more information. See you in the park!

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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

March 18th – Find out how Pittsburgh Charles Bier, director of the is leading the country’s movement for Western Pennsylvania green building design and what Conservancy’s Natural Heritage environmentally friendly projects are Program, talks about the return of currently underway in Pittsburgh – the Peregrine Falcon on April 8. The National Center of Green Building, presented by Rebecca Flora, executive director of the Green Building Alliance. March 25th – Pittsburgh Voyager will present Experiential Education and Water Quality Trends on the Three Rivers. Jeff Jordan, education manager, will share the benefits of hands-on learning and the water quality trends that student studies have revealed in the past three years. Beth O'Toole, executive director, will discuss plans to expand Pittsburgh Voyager’s riverbased educational program. April 1st – Pittsburgh’s means of generating electric energy is inflicting serious environmental damage in our area. Unfortunately saying “Abracadabra!” won’t fix the problem. Real-life ways we can help save valuable resources will be presented by Ann Gerace, executive director of Conservation Consultants, Inc., in A Little Bit of Magic: It Takes a Little Bit of Magic to Save Energy. April 8th – The peregrine falcon is making a comeback in Pennsylvania, and Charles Bier, director of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Natural Heritage Program, will reveal Pittsburgh’s contribution to the cause in Recovery of the Endangered Peregrine Falcon: The Pittsburgh Connection.

Highland Restoration Work to Begin Again

Commemorative Tree Plantings Comfort Families of Lost Loved Ones By Jessica Todarello

his fall two families planted trees at the Schenley Park Visitor Center in memory of loved ones they have lost. Mary Rotunda and her husband, Ross, used to enjoy going to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to explore the The oak tree planted in many exhibits of flora and fauna. memory of Henry Connolly. After her husband’s death, Mary wanted to do something to keep her husband’s memory alive. She contacted Phil Gruszka, director of Parks Management and Maintenance at the Parks Conservancy, about planting trees at the Visitor Center. In November, three holly trees were planted around the Visitor Center and dedicated to Ross Rotunda. In 2003, Andy and Nancy Connolly suffered the stillbirth of their baby Henry. To cope with their loss they contacted the Parks Conservancy to plant a tree at Visitor Center. In lateNovember, an oak tree was planted in the front lawn, and is now affectionately named “Henry” in remembrance of their baby boy. “We are comforted knowing that kind people will be looking after our little boy’s place of remembrance,” said Nancy Connolly. To donate a tree in memory of a loved one, contact Phil Gruszka at 412.682.7275 ext. 219.

ollowing a brief winter respite, the city will start work again on the restoration of the fountain in the Highland Park Entry Garden. Once the city completes its portion of the project, the Parks Conservancy will begin phase two, which includes restoration of the garden and walkway around the fountain.

Erin Clymer

bringing these beasts to life. Bill DeWalt, director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, presented Dinosaurs in Their World – Building a First-Day Tourist Attraction for Pittsburgh.

Jack Rowley

Lectures Continued from Page 1

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Days in the Parks

Take advantage of these opportunities to get out into the park this spring. For more information call Bonny Kwolek, volunteer coordinator at 412.682.7275 ext. 210 or check out our website at www.pittsburghparks.org.

March 19, April 2, and April 16 Volunteer in Schenley Park with the Pitt Park Stewards and work on restoration projects, including invasive species removal and trail maintenance.

April 24 Join with fellow Pittsburghers for The Great PA Cleanup and help restore Negley Run and Highland Park in honor of Earth Day.

June 5 Charles H. Uhl

Learn more about invasive plants during the Non-native Invasive Plant Training in Lower Frick Park.

Restoration in process, a bird’s-eye view: Highland Park Entry Garden.

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neighborhoods, the park, the zoo, and the Allegheny River Trail in ways that will enrich and enliven them all. The rebirth of Heth's Run is tremendously exciting,” said David Hance of the Highland Park Community Development Corporation, which is working with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and others to carry out these improvements. One of the more exciting parts of the plan is to create an access to the Allegheny River by building pedestrian and bicycle trails, which would enhance the quality of life for those in surrounding neighborhoods and increase Highland Park's recreational appeal. Constructing the link to the river would require excavating and removing enough of the fill currently under the bridge to create a ravine deep enough to accommodate a trail. Mayor Tom Murphy has proposed a design assistance team for the Heth's Run Bridge Project, including neighborhood groups, the PPC, representatives of the Pittsburgh Zoo, the City's Planning Department, and the Riverlife Task Force. PennDOT's preliminary plan had called for a cost-effective but unadorned bridge,

with no provision for removal of the fill underneath. Landscape Architects LaQuatra Bonci, who participated in the Regional Parks Master Plan, are providing preliminary elevations for the entire Heth's Run project and a revised bridge plan that is in keeping with the park’s historical design. Recently, due to fiscal problems, the city has started to search for alternative federal or state grants to fund the project. The Parks Conservancy, assisted by the Highland Park CDC, has hired Rendering of the future ball fields and riverfront access in LaQuatra Bonci to evaluate the Heth’s Run. overall Heth's Run Plan. Currently, the bridge replacement is on transportation projects has a huge impact on PennDOT's schedule for spring, 2007. The quality of life, and quality of environment landscape architecture firm Pashek Associates is issues,” says David Hance. “Decisions made for designing the zoo’s improvements, which mark roads and bridges affect all other projects that the first step in the process. follow in their wake. [Heth's Run Bridge] While the project start date is not immediate makes the case that great things are possible this process illustrates the value of involving all when all the players work together from the stakeholders in the early stages of the project. beginning.” “The design and funding process for

Environmental Awareness Improving in Frick Park Communities by Jeff Bergman

he Nine Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA) is working to improve environmental awareness within communities surrounding Frick Park. The NMRWA aims to involve the watershed communities—Edgewood, Swissvale, Wilkinsburg, and sections of the City of Pittsburgh—in the protection and restoration of the Nine Mile Run Watershed, which runs through Frick Park. The day-to-day activities of these communities directly affect the conditions of the park and stream.

To encourage non-environmental community groups such as church groups and community development corporations to take part in urban ecology projects, the NMRWA is working in conjunction with the Urban Ecology Collaborative (UEC). The UEC is a multi-city initiative that helps to restore urban ecosystems and trains community leaders to manage urban resources. Through a UEC designed project, NMRWA staff and volunteers will conduct informal street interviews during the spring and summer

Remember the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in Your Will or Trust The PPC’s mission is to preserve, protect and restore the great parks of the City of Pittsburgh and to educate the public about them. You can help support us in our mission by making gifts to the PPC during your lifetime or under the terms of your will through what is known as planned giving. To learn more about how you can support the PPC, contact our office at 412-682-PARK.

We urge you to consult with your legal and financial advisors to assist you in arranging the best method of contributing. The PPC is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Contributions to the PPC are taxdeductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

of this year that will asses community concerns. A series of forums planned for the fall will focus on linking community concerns and urban environmental issues. Community-based projects such as tree plantings and vacant lot enhancements will be established. These projects will continue to improve environmental conditions in Nine Mile Run and Frick Park while also increasing the beauty and health of the surrounding communities.

Check Out Our New Website! The PPC has redesigned its website. Visit us at www.pittsburghparks.org and learn more about: • Becoming a member of the PPC • Activities in the parks • Volunteer opportunities • Our projects • Park amenities • Educational programs • Event rentals at the Schenley Park Visitor Center

Courtesy of LaQuatra Bonci

Heth’s Run Continued from page 1

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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

PPC and Partners Launch New Environmental Teaching Workshop By Abbie Pauley

The new program will include a broader range of local organizations and more directly meet Pennsylvania environmental education standards. Today, the PPC is collaborating with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Conservation Consultants Inc., Earth Force, Frick Environmental Center and the Pennsylvania Resource Council to provide the Pittsburgh Environmental Teaching Workshop. This effort is part of the Urban Ecology Collaborative, an initiative to link partners in environmental restoration and education. The workshop, which provides Teachers look on as entomologist Bill Todero teachers with expertise on the environdescribes the park insect population during a ment and knowledge of Pittsburgh’s previous summer teaching workshop. natural resources, is designed for upper-elementary and middle-school • Environmental health teachers but will be beneficial to teachers of • Renewable and nonrenewable resources all grades as the material is intended to be • Environmental laws and regulations adapted for different skill levels. Teachers will receive Act 48 credits for Another component will be the hands-on participating. The course curriculum will be field activities where teachers will learn standards-based and focus on: techniques and ideas centered around urban ecology, built environments, resource • Ecosystems and their interactions conservation, composting, invasive species and biodiversity. • Humans and the environment To learn how to participate in the • Watersheds and wetlands Pittsburgh Environmental Teaching Workshop call the PPC at 412.682.7275.

WPFI Weekly Walks in the Woods Resume ith the weather growing warmer, the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute weekly Walks in the Woods are set to begin. The walks, a partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, will begin in May and continue through October. Join us for this social outing where walks are led by docents familiar with park history, activities, flora and fauna. The outings are casual, fun and educational – the perfect antidote to the workweek. Some hikes will be on uneven terrain with moderate difficulty. Contact the WPFI for further information at 412.255.0564.

When: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 5th through October 27th

Where: 1st Wed. 2nd Wed. 3rd Wed. 4th Wed. 5th Wed.

Schenley Park, Visitor Center Riverview Park, Observatory Highland Park, Entrance at Highland Avenue Frick Park, Environmental Center Washington’s Landing (when applicable)

Erin Clymer

eachers looking to introduce their students to the environment are being invited to participate in a new workshop this summer sponsored by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and other partner organizations. The workshop will introduce teachers to Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley Parks. Participants will learn about the local environment, native wildlife and plantlife, and the importance of conservation. One of the workshop’s main goals is to teach participants to view the parks not just as a place for relaxation or recreation, but as an accessible educational resource to be used to teach students about urban ecology. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy launched the Summer Teaching Institute in 1998 to help teachers utilize the parks as living laboratories. Teachers spent a week studying the ecology, park features and educational opportunities of the park. More than 75 teachers have attended the program to date, and have brought more than 1,100 students to the parks for fieldtrips. With funding from the Roy A. Hunt Foundation, PNC Charitable Trust and the W. I. Patterson Charitable Fund, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy continues to play a leading role in this year’s new workshop.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Meg Cheever President and CEO

Mary Beth Steisslinger Restoration Coordinator

Fred Comunale Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer

Amy Ripley Projects Coordinator

Abbie Pauley Director of Institutional Advancement

Jessica Todarello Communications Assistant

Philip J. Gruszka Director of Park Management and Maintenance Policies

Alice Enz Public Education and Programs Assistant

Joanne Jamis Cain Director, Schenley Park Visitor Center Bonita Kwolek Membership/Volunteer Coordinator

Julie Leistner Administrative Assistant Nancy Fisher Financial Assistant Liz Style Docent Coordinator

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-682-PARK (7275) www.pittsburghparks.org

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

Courtesy of David Orr

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Orr Proposes New Model of Parks n an era of suburban sprawl, rising population and increased transportation use, David Orr, professor and chair of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, predicts the use of parks will dramatically rise to satisfy people’s need for open space. As keynote speaker and guest panelist in a symposium addressing the development of an urban ecological education program in Pittsburgh, Orr proposed a new model of parks that expands their role to more than just a respite from the industrial and commercial grind.

Non-Profit Org. U S POSTAGE

P A I D PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO 4906

David Orr Leads Ecology Symposium: Green Opportunities Ripe in Frick Park By Amy Ripley

early 60 local leaders met in January to discuss ways the city’s environmental groups can collaborate in developing an urbanecological education program and to explore the idea of building a state-ofthe-art green building for environmental education in Frick Park. In developing an urban-based environmental education program across the city, participants agreed that top priorities should include: • promotion of an urban ecology ethic • park stewardship • historic preservation David Orr, Charlie Lord, and Patricia O’Donnell, • self-sustainable or green technology principal, of Heritage Landscapes, fielded questions According to Orr, we should strive to from the audience. The two-day symposium, which was make our parks: sponsored by the Pittsburgh Parks activists to introduce young people to opportuniConservancy and Carnegie Mellon University, Models of Ecological Design – ties that would lead to significant environmental with support from the Grable Foundation and the “We need to raise the level of ecologiimprovements. At the symposium Orr outlined City of Pittsburgh, featured well-known author cal mindfulness,” Orr said. Designing how Pittsburgh’s parks could become tools to and green design guru David Orr, professor and parks to work with, rather than against, increase environmental awareness and education chair of the Environmental Studies Program at the natural environment is a step (see “Model,” opposite). Oberlin College in Ohio. toward improving the effectiveness of “Parks are more valuable to us now than ever More than 300 people heard Orr’s views on parks. before,” he said. “We need to begin to create how government, industry and consumerism can tangible responses to the world of science – damage environmental health in his keynote Models of Utilization for Green responses that people can see, touch, feel and address on the opening day of the symposium. Buildings – The ultimate goal of green experience. There are opportunities for parks to He encouraged the university community to park buildings should be selfbe major educational assets.” utilize its position as educators, academics and sustainability, the ability to produce its The possibility of utilizing one of Pittsburgh’s own primary energy source and means four urban parks as a hub for an of recycling waste. urban-ecological education program was proposed. The Frick Educational Centers – “Parks are a Environmental Center, former way of raising our ecological I.Q.,” home of the urban-park-based Orr said. Parks should exist as a environmental educational living, tangible resource for ecological program, suffered extensive education and exploration. damage in a fire in 2002. Orr urged the creation of a Economic Anchors – The 1,700 acres “self-sustaining” design structure of Pittsburgh parks are economic in which a building is equipped indicators of a standard of living. to generate its own energy and be “Healthy parks are one of the best an on-site source of waste signs of healthy real estate value,” he treatment. said. “It’s where people want to be.” For example, the Environmental Studies Center at Oberlin A.R. College, for which Orr raised Charlie Lord and PPC staff member Amy Ripley listen to David Orr’s comments. funds and spearheaded, utilizes a “living machine,” a system of water tanks, bacteria and plant life that recycles and purifies toilet water. The solar-paneled roof collects enough sunlight that the building uses virtually no outside electricity. The landscape around the Oberlin Center is designed as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Participants stressed that environmental programming would need to tie into the building’s green features. Charlie Lord, guest panelist and director of the Urban Ecology Institute at Boston College, presented his successful programming model. Lord explained how his organization weaves urban ecology field studies, animal behavioral studies and social ecology into existing public school curriculum for middle and high school students. To date, the program has increased students’ self-confidence and civic leadership, Lord said. The students have a higher interest in science than students who follow the standard science curriculum, whose interest in science generally drops after having completed the standard curriculum. As part of the Urban Ecology Collaborative, Lord’s institute exchanges ideas between other regional city programs and organizations, including many groups in Pittsburgh. Jessica Todarello

Jessica Todarello