Donor Newsletter July – August 2015 www.pittsburghparks.org
Your support helps kids go outside and learn Growing demand for new Frick Environmental Center
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photo credit Renee Rosensteel
ast year you helped us break ground on our most ambitious project to date – the new Frick Environmental Center. Construction is now well underway while the environmental education programs are bursting at the seams.
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n the 2014-2015 school year you helped our education programs increased by 29%. Approximately 900 students participated including kids from the School for the Deaf and Spectrum Charter School for kids on the autism spectrum. 2015 summer camps sold out completely with nearly 400 kids and an additional 500 people participated in community education programs.
In the 2014-2015 school year our education programs increased by 29% and 900 students from 43 classes participated
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utreach opportunities are in full swing in Homewood thanks to our partnership with PNC’s Buzzword initiative. A new “campership” program is being developed to provide assistance to
ENGAGE contact Kathleen Gaines at kgaines@pittsburghparks.org or (412) 682-7275 x213
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families who would not otherwise be able to participate in summer camps.
help, the new Frick Environmental Center will serve a city that is hungry to learn more in nature. Completion urrently our capacity is expected by late 2016 and fundraising is does not allow ongoing. our programs to meet demand. With your
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You transform our cherished spaces
Then and Now: The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy logo
A new look for a new decade
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his summer, you will begin to see an updated logo for your Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The new logo reflects the bright and focused future of the Park Conservancy, with a distinct leafwithin-a-P as the primary element.
THEN
“T
he oak leaf gives a nod to the Parks Conservancy’s history, while bringing it into the future with an iconic P design that works perfectly for digital, print, and park applications,” says Scott Roller, Senior Manager Marketing and Communications. “With vivid colors and a fun look, it perfectly represents our enthusiastic Parks Conservancy team, partners, and supporters.”
NOW
Your brand new Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy supporter decal is enclosed
Make your mark in Schenley Plaza Engraved bricks under the main tent commemorate life, love and much more A limited number of bricks remain to be engraved in Schenley Plaza! Get yours today in time to celebrate the Plaza’s 10th Anniversary in 2016! $500 donation 2
Write your message to engrave here:
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Call (412) 682-7275 for more information
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy | August – July 2015
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Park champions like you
You run (or walk) for education Run Around the Square in Frick Park
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n August 22nd 2,000 people will Run Around the Square, Regent Square that is, and through Frick Park. The race was started in 1982 and has supported the
Frick Environmental Center almost as long. Says race director Donna Bour, “We run through the park and we get a lot of help from the Environmental Center staff. It just makes sense to support them too.”
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he Run Around the Square is one of
The race has supported the Frick Environmental Center for more than 30 years
Citiparks four largest races. It includes a 5k as well as a dog-friendly (on leashes) 1.5 mile walk/ run. Look for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff among those cheering for this great community event. Register at www. runaroundthesquare. com.
Programs you make possible
You keep Schenley Plaza programs free
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The Plaza will welcome more than 500,000 visitors again this year
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chenley Plaza has been bustling with activity. Thanks to you, the Plaza is in its 9th season offering approximately 200 free programs each year.
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You created Oakland’s favorite green space in 2006
itness enthusiasts can buff their hearts and minds with free yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba classes every week. The Oakland Farmers’ Market sets up Friday’s at 3pm through October. WYEP has made the Plaza their outdoor music home with free events like the WYEP
Music Festival. Other great partnerships include Team Tassy’s Great American Water Balloon Fight and City of Play.
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eep up with all the programming you make possible at www. pittsburghparks.org/ schenleyplaza.
Fertitta, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Senior Manager of Visitor Experience.
he Plaza’s program offerings are as diverse as the people who enjoy the space. amilies enjoy a free People from all walks kid’s day held the of life gather second Sunday here. Parks each month “People from are the most all walks of life May - October. democratic The day features gather here.” spaces in free activities for – Shawn Fertitta our society kids of all ages and nothing such as balloon illustrates that better than animals, the Citiparks Schenley Plaza on a Roving Art Cart, free sunny day,” says Shawn carousel rides, and more.
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Free yoga in Schenley Plaza every Monday at noon and Saturday at 10am through September
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Your parks, your stories
Early parks volunteer remembered in Mellon Square
Dorothy A. Servis was a pioneer professional woman who loved your parks
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n its early days the Parks Conservancy relied heavily on the volunteered time and talents of visionary people in Pittsburgh. Dorothy Servis was one of them. “Her active participation in our earliest days helped develop the organization’s capacity to implement important projects,” says Parks Conservancy CEO Meg Cheever.
Dorothy A. Servis
“D
ottie” was a trailblazer. She graduated from University of Michigan law school in 1948 as one of six women in a class of 300. At that time women lawyers faced obstacles, so she was hired as librarian in a law firm, and then as secretary at a division of US Steel. Eventually she became the corporation’s first woman attorney and over time was promoted to Senior General Attorney Environment & Real Estate for US Steel, and later to Senior General Attorney and Assistant to the General Counsel. She retired from US Steel and became Of Counsel to Reed Smith. In her retirement she volunteered for the Parks Conservancy.
A tree in Mellon Square will commemorate Dottie’s life
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ottie’s friend Jane Rectenwald approached us to commemorate Dottie’s legacy in Mellon Square. A Sweetbay Magnolia tree had died so a replacement was planted in Dottie’s honor. On a stormy day in June the rain stopped just long enough for 50 friends to gather in the Square to celebrate Dottie’s life with her tree.
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ottie’s tree joins a historic stand of Magnolias in Mellon Square, a fitting tribute to a woman who left her own mark on Pittsburgh. “I can’t wait to come back in September and look at Dottie’s tree again,” Rectenwald wrote to us. “What a special memory you’ve given to so many people.”
Summer fun in Mellon Square Check out all the FREE programs you make possible in downtown Pittsburgh Tai Chi Every Tuesday noon – 1:00 pm Yoga Every Tuesday 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Acoustic lunchtime music with Bobby V Every Wednesday noon – 1:00 pm
All programs are through the end of August unless otherwise noted 4
Mellon Square Summer Concert Series Every Thursday noon – 1:00 pm Presented by Citiparks in conjunction with Q92.9, 96.9 BOB-FM and Pittsburgh City Paper
Pilates Every Friday noon – 1:00 pm Through July 31st Main Fountain Light Show Every night at the top of the hour 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy | August – July 2015
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