Carol Ambrosia becomes one millionth visitor to Schenley Plaza Schenley Plaza reached a new milestone by welcoming its one millionth visitor on July 11. Carol Ambrosia was honored with a permanent brick at Schenley Plaza, a tree to be planted in her name, and a lifetime membership to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “It’s certainly an honor and a privilege to be called the millionth visitor,” Ms. Ambrosia said. “I enjoy the people, the tent, the food, the plants. This is much better than the parking lot that used to be here.” The celebration included free activities, like face painting, balloon animals, Citiparks’ Roving Art Cart, and carousel rides courtesy of PNC. Plaza attendees were invited to participate in “Million-themed” activities. One of the activities, “One Million Gallons Conserved,” asked participants to do their part by pledging to conserve household water to reach a combined goal of one million gallons.
The Black and Gold City Goes Green, a program of PennFuture, collected the pledges and posted them at theblackandgoldcitygoesgreen.com. Participants registered for prizes throughout the day, including Zoo and Pirates tickets, a beginner guitar package donated by Backstage Guitars, gift cards from local restaurants, and a Great Race prize pack donated by Citiparks. Since 2006, the internationally award-winning Schenley Plaza has provided entertainment to thousands of visitors each year with events like the WYEP Summer Music Festival, lunchtime music, free yoga and cardio bootcamp, and Kids Days. Coming this fall, Schenley Plaza will host the Pittsburgh Jazz Society’s Festival in September and the 50th anniversary of the 1960 Pirates World Series win on October 13. To stay up to date on the Plaza, visit pittsburghparks.org/schenleyplaza.
Schenley Plaza’s one millionth visitor, Carol Ambrosia, poses with Plaza Manager Jim Griffin under the tent.
New Directors of City Parks and Public Works
Director of the Department of Public Works Rob Kaczorowski and Director of Citiparks Mike Radley are key partners for the Parks Conservancy.
Robert Kaczorowski was nominated in December as Pittsburgh’s Director of Public Works (DPW). Director Kaczorowski served as DPW deputy director since September 2000 and has worked for the City in various capacities for 28 years. All of the City’s park maintenance workers are in the DPW. Director Kaczorowski has already demonstrated his commitment to the City’s public-private partnership with the Parks Conservancy. “It’s a pleasure to work with the Parks Conservancy on any project that enhances our parks,” said Director Kaczorowski during a recent tour of the trail improvement project in Frick Park. “It’s always great to see our joint venture accomplish goals that increase park usage,” he added. When asked about the next big partnership project, Mellon Square downtown, Director Kaczorowski responded, “We’re looking forward to seeing that project through from
start to end with the Parks Conservancy. It’s a great place in the city for business people, and guests at the Omni William Penn Hotel.” Michael Radley, formerly the Deputy Director of Citiparks and a 33-year City employee, was nominated in December by the Mayor as Director of Parks and Recreation. Reflecting on the projects the City and Parks Conservancy have jointly completed, Director Radley counts the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center as one of his favorites. “That renovation was just striking,” shared Director Radley. “It was gratifying to see an old structure made new for the benefit of everyone that uses the park.” Director Radley said,“The cooperation in our regional parks has been outstanding with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Publicprivate partnerships like this are the way of the future and vital to projects that otherwise wouldn’t happen.”
in this issue Volunteers are key to park improvements page 5
Unsung Spots in the park page 7 Stan Franzos
John Altdorfer
Greenprint plan moving forward page 3
Dear Friends of Pittsburgh Parks, Earlier this summer, I was privileged to be part of the celebration for the restored Walled Garden in Mellon Park Shadyside. If you haven’t seen the restored garden, I urge you to visit it, particularly around nightfall when you can “see the stars come out” in the lawn. This project is a great example of the partnership between the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the City of Pittsburgh, and the community. The Mellon family donated the land for the park to the city in the 1940s. A master plan for the southern section of the park was completed in 2000 thanks to funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Councilman Bill Peduto, who hadn’t yet been elected to council at that time, was one of many volunteers obtaining community input on the park. In recent years, the Seamans family adopted the park’s Walled Garden as a cherished project to honor the memory of Annie, their daughter. The completed restoration marvelously
integrates art, horticulture, history, and community. Neighbors of the park have shown great support through their interest, monetary contributions, and stewardship. Now that the Walled Garden project is completed, we need to continue to raise maintenance funds to keep it in excellent condition. Over time, attention can also turn to restoration of additional spaces within the park and toward extension of the master plan to The Mellon Park Walled Garden was dedicated on June 12. Pictured the northern section of the park above from left to right are Joe and Elizabeth Seamans, Meg Cheever, across Fifth Avenue where the Councilman Bill Peduto, and State Representative Dan Frankel. tennis bubble, sports facilities, and playground are located. when an individual project within the plan is What has been so well demonstrated by accomplished in a thoughtful way. the Walled Garden project is the excellence that can be achieved over time, when a master plan is developed and followed, and
Richard King Mellon Foundation grant advances Panther Hollow restoration
Public presentation planned for September 15 The Richard King Mellon Foundation recently awarded the Parks Conservancy a one million dollar grant to be used for ongoing parks management and maintenance, and to create a watershed management plan for Panther Hollow. The Panther Hollow watershed consists of open space in Schenley Park but also includes parts of the adjacent neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill and Greenfield. The Parks Conservancy hears regularly from local residents about the poor condition of Panther Hollow Lake—the man-made body of water below the Panther Hollow Bridge and Phipps Conservatory. The Lake, which once housed a boathouse and was a favorite weekend destination for many Pittsburghers in the early 1900’s, has such a high level of coliform bacteria that the shallow water is now considered unfit for human contact.
Panther Hollow Lake suffers from storm water runoff from the surrounding watershed.
The restoration of the Lake involves much more than emptying and dredging it. Restoration efforts must begin ‘upstream,’ in the Panther Hollow Watershed in order for the Lake to remain healthy on a long-term basis. From planting trees and other stabilizing plant material, to removing invasive species, restoring Phipps Run Stream, and addressing storm water runoff, the Parks Conservancy has worked with the City of Pittsburgh and others to improve the health of Panther Hollow by mitigating the factors that contribute to the poor conditions. The grant will support these ongoing efforts, the development of a Watershed Restoration plan, and implementation of pilot projects. On September 15, the Parks Conservancy will present “What’s going on in Panther Hollow?,” an overview of the ongoing efforts in Panther Hollow. In addition to Parks Conservancy staff, consultant Michele Adams will present examples of innovative engineering solutions to the detrimental effects that storm water runoff has on urban watersheds. Ms. Adams is a Principal Engineer and founder of Meliora Environmental Design in Kimberton, Pennsylvania. For more than 25 years her work has encompassed environmentally sensitive site design and sustainable water resources engineering. Building on a multi-disciplinary approach, her work includes both master planning and design for campuses, urban restoration projects, commercial and residential installations, public facilities, and environmental education centers. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in Botany Hall adjacent to Phipps Conservatory. Admission is free and parking is available on Schenley Drive. Seating is limited and attendees should RSVP to kayers@ pittsburghparks.org or by calling 412-6827275 by September 13.
Mary Jane Bent
Message from the President
Mellon Square will host tours and concerts throughout the summer and early fall through joint efforts of Citiparks and the Parks Conservancy. Twohour lunchtime concerts starting at 11 a.m. are offered on Thursdays through September 30. The Parks Conservancy is sponsoring a lunchtime tour of Mellon Square on the third Wednesday of each month. The tour is led by park docent Sam Webb. Mr. Webb’s tour discusses the history of Mellon Square, diving into greater detail about the park’s significance and the impact of the Mellon family on Pittsburgh. The tour focuses on the 1950s design of the space, and its role in Pittsburgh’s first Renaissance. Landscape features, like the trees that muffle traffic noise, are also highlighted. Participants can meet at the AFL-CIO sign in the Square at 12:15pm to join this free tour with Sam Webb. The concert schedule is available on page 7 or visit pittsburghparks.org/mellonsquareevents.
John Altdorfer
Listen and learn in Mellon Square
The restoration of Cliffside Park is one of the pilot projects of the Greenprint Plan.
Greenprint plan moving forward A new way of seeing the Hill District is being widely celebrated with the release of the completed Greenprint plan in midJune. The Greenprint’s goal is to establish the Hill as a healthy place where ecology and development can work hand-in-hand, creating “the Village in the Woods.” Moving forward, the Greenprint recommends a series of improvements that will be carried out with a variety of partners and stakeholders:
John Altdorfer
• Expanding the “Woods” through tree planting, trail, and park projects, such as the Cliffside Park play space. • Improving public space in the “Village” along Centre Avenue, with new lighting, art, places to sit and gather, bus shelters, and intersection markings. • Renovating city steps to connect residents within the Hill and to adjacent neighborhoods.
Mellon Square’s concert series provides downtown workers a free and fun escape during lunchtime.
The plan rolled out in a daylong demonstration of key ideas. The project team, residents, and interns moved through the Hill, leaving traces behind to stimulate people’s awareness. They tied yellow cloths to trees to mark the future Coal Seam Trail, cleared overgrowth from
the Chauncey Street Steps, and stenciled historic business names along Centre Avenue. The day closed with a sidewalk gallery of Greenprint drawings and plans. The Greenprint is a project of Find the Rivers!, a consortium of the Hill House Association (Terri Baltimore), Hill District Consensus Group (Carl Redwood), Community Partners Institute (Denys Candy), and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (Susan Rademacher). The Greenprint team was led by landscape architect Walter Hood and Chelsea Johnson of Hood Design, with Arup Engineering, and Studio for Spatial Practice (Jonathan Kline, Christine Brill, and Safiya Hodari). The Greenprint was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development/ Neighborhood Partnership Program supported by BNY Mellon. Cliffside Park funders include the City of Pittsburgh/ Community Development Block Grant, Eden Hall Foundation, Ryan Memorial Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development/Neighborhood Partnership Program supported by BNY Mellon. To learn more, please visit pittsburghparks.org/hilldistrictprojects.
Pennsylvania’s
A SYMPOSIUM FOR EDUCATORS AND INTERESTED OTHERS
Tuesday, August 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lutherlyn in Prospect, Pennsylvania
Broaden your knowledge of Pennsylvania’s native flora and fauna, learn about important research and protection programs, and meet environmental education resource providers in western PA – all to help you to build environmental literacy in your students.
Register Here:
www.aswp.org/files/wpncr2010.pdf
New funding for projects in the Hill District and Beltzhoover The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded $500,000 in state funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania thanks to support from State Representative Jake Wheatley. Funding will be spread among the Greenprint, Cliffside Park, and McKinley Park projects. Nonprofits are eligible for RACP funding for economic development projects with cultural, civic, and historic significance. Because this is a matching grant, the Parks Conservancy must also raise $500,000 in order to receive the funds. The easiest way to help the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy obtain the funds is to donate online at pittsburghparks.org/donate and choose the McKinley or Cliffside option.
Stan Franzos
Wild Resources
State Representative Jake Wheatley was instrumental in obtaining state funding for the Pittsburgh Park System.
The Parks Conservancy served as co-producer with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health of an innovative colloquium on urban parks as instruments of community health. The colloquium was held this past July in New York City. Research experts from the University of Michigan, Columbia University, Penn State University, and Tulane University joined senior Parks Conservancy managers, many representatives of New York City’s Parks and Recreation Department, and representatives of several Pittsburgh institutions, including UPMC Health Plan, the Eden Hall Foundation, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and Hill House. The round table highlighted parks as an element for improved public mental and physical health.
Dr. Mindy Fullilove and Dr. Lourdes Hernandez-Cordero on the Mailman School faculty served as co-convenors of the discussion. “The Parks Conservancy has always been committed to promoting and preserving parks as free places that are vital to community physical and mental health,” said Meg Cheever, President and CEO of the Parks Conservancy. “This dialogue should enable us to enrich our evidence-based case for support of the parks.” Many of the organizations hope to find ways to partner in the coming months to develop research projects exploring the correlation between the condition of a community’s parks and the health of people in the surrounding community as well as to explore the complexity of the appeal of parks to individuals.
Meg Cheever
Conservancy part of innovative dialogue on parks and public health
Colloquium attendees discussed the positive impact of greenspace on public health. From left to right, Richard Reed; Marijke Hecht; Andrew Mowen, Ph.D, Penn State; Jennifer Hoppa, NYC Parks; Mindy Fullilove, M.D., Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University.
The Parks Conservancy’s work on the Greenprint Project in the Hill District and its plans for a new Environmental Center in Frick Park will continue to explore the connection between parks and health and the benefits of connecting children to the natural world to encourage a habit
of life-long exercise. The Parks Conservancy has partnered with UPMC Health Plan since 2009 to promote parks as a resource for outdoor activity through the Parks are Free campaign. To learn more about the colloquium, visit pittsburghparks.org/healthyparks.
Horticulturlist joins Parks Conservancy staff
Angela Masters joined the Parks Conservancy staff in February 2010 as a Gardener. Masters works in the horticultural areas of the parks, such as the Riverview Park Chapel Shelter.
Angela Masters joined the Parks Conservancy staff in February. Ms. Masters is responsible for the general maintenance of gardens, including weeding, deadheading, transplanting, fertilizing, and insect control. She focuses on the horticulture-intensive areas of the parks, like the newly restored Mellon Park Walled Garden, the Highland Park Entry Garden, Schenley Plaza, and the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center. Ms. Masters previously worked as a Landscape Service Coordinator for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. She also worked at Longwood Gardens and Trax Farms, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Pennsylvania State University.
The addition of a gardener attests to the Parks Conservancy’s commitment to preserving the parks and especially to the long-term maintenance of capital projects, like the Highland Park Entry Garden. Ms. Masters said, “Time and effort go into the installation of a new garden, and many people are excited about it opening, but not everyone realizes the level of maintenance that projects require. I am passionate about taking care of our gardens and keeping them as close to the original intent as possible.” Ms. Masters welcomes volunteers to assist in garden care. Please visit pittsburghparks.org/volunteer for more information.
Pennsylvania's largest 10K starts in Frick Park!
The Parks Conservancy would like to thank our 2010 Spring Hat Luncheon sponsors:
More than a quarter million runners and walkers have participated in the region's fall fitness classic since Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri established the event in 1977 as a community “fun run.” A 5K run and fitness walk provides an opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels to take part in the festivities on Great Race Sunday.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Sunday, September 26, 2010 8:30 a.m. – 5K start, Oakland 9:30 a.m. – 10K start, Frick Park www.RunGreatRace.com 412-255-2493
DIAMOND SPONSORS: Audrey Hillman Fisher, Susie Dorrance, & Ritchie Scaife EMERALD SPONSOR: Nadine E. Bognar GOLD SPONSORS: EQT Corporation & Peggy McKnight SILVER SPONSORS: Duquesne Light Company, Eden Hall Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, The Hillman Company, Pietragallo Law Firm, Gabriela Porges, & University of Pittsburgh BRONZE SPONSORS: 84 Lumber Company/Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Carnegie Mellon University, Meg & George Cheever, Clearview Federal Credit Union, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Federated Investors Foundation, Inc., Giant Eagle, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Levin Furniture, Nordstrom, Jessica O’Brien, Pepper Hamilton LLP, PJ Dick & Trumbull, & UPMC Health Plan
Volunteers are key to park improvements Volunteers are vitally important to ecological restoration initiatives in the parks. Since 2003, the Urban EcoStewards Program has provided parks across Pittsburgh with long-term volunteers. The Urban EcoSteward program is part of the work of the Urban Ecology Collaborative of Pittsburgh, the local branch of an eight-city effort with a mission to cultivate healthy, safe, and vibrant cities through collective learning and united action. In Pittsburgh, EcoStewards work under the supervision of staff from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, the Frick Environmental Center, or the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation. Two of our most dedicated volunteers are Michelle and Dave Panasiuk, who not only serve as Urban EcoStewards in Panther Hollow, but lead the popular Schenley Park Walks in the Woods. Michelle and Dave, who were profiled in the Winter 2010 issue of the Voice, were recently honored with the Jefferson Award for outstanding volunteer efforts by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Highmark, The Heinz Endowments, and The Pittsburgh Foundation. Congratulations to the Panasiuks! If you’re interested in becoming an Urban EcoSteward, visit pittsburghparks.org/ues.
Please meet our dedicated volunteers: Riverview Park – Moses Carper Moses Carper has been volunteering in Riverview Park since 2001, originally as a docent and now as an Urban EcoSteward. Mr. Carper is in the park year-round working with Bob Lacki, Riverview foreman, planting new flowers and bringing young people to the park to volunteer in the flowerbeds and experience the trails. He said, “Young kids often think of the park as a playground, so we move them out to the trails so that they can see that the park is all around. Stewardship is everyone’s responsibility, and not just the City’s.”
Frick Park – The Lincoln Family About five minutes from the Frick Environmental Center is the site that the Lincoln family has stewarded since 2006. The family of six has put an impressive number of hours into their site removing multiflora rose, honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and vines. Two mulberry trees that were previously choked by vines have begun to thrive. While Kim (pictured above with husband Dan and daughter Maggie) sometimes works on the site by herself, the Lincolns have found stewarding to be a great family activity. “It’s hard to find something that three teenagers want to do with their parents, but they really like doing the vine-work,” said Kim. “Plus the experience has taught our kids how to work hard, value nature, and take pride in helping others.”
Highland Park – Annie Weidman
Schenley Park – Mary Alice Drusbasky
Annie Weidman has been an Urban EcoSteward since 2003. When she started on her site near the Babbling Brook, 99% of the landscape was covered in garlic mustard. Ms. Weidman works on the site with her friend, Elizabeth Brown, and the two have found it a great way to catch up. Ms. Weidman said that there is a personal reward for volunteering. “We are doing our part to keep the parks relatively free of invasives and garbage, and we feel like it's our personal space. We love seeing the improvements in our site."
Mary Alice Drusbasky is one of the original Urban EcoStewards and has stewarded the Bartlett Meadow since 2003, watching natives thrive as invasive plants are removed. The Bartlett Meadow in Schenley Park is a warm season grass and wildflower meadow. Serving as a buffer to the nearby woods, the meadow creates a healthy habitat for native wildlife, birds, and insects. Ms. Drusbasky says, “I like knowing that I’m giving something back to a park where I’ve appreciated such beauty.”
This spring, through a 2009 grant from Heinz Youth Philanthropy, twenty students from City High’s 10th grade class cared for a section of parkland by Panther Hollow Lake in Schenley Park. They are High School Urban EcoStewards in a joint program of the Student Conservation Association with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Thanks to a grant from The Grable Foundation, the program will continue. The students performed the same maintenance tasks as other Urban EcoStewards, but also focused on science-journaling, which builds observation and recording
skills. The program fulfills City High’s 10th grade service learning requirement, and the students are able to spend three hours a month on a Friday afternoon in the park. Sixteen-year-old Graham Evans said, “We’ve learned how to identify many different plant species and maintain an environment. It feels like an adventure!” The High School Urban EcoSteward program will expand to other schools next year, including the SciTech Academy, the Ellis School, and the Homewood YMCA Lighthouse program at Westinghouse High School.
Courtesy of City High
High School EcoStewards Program receives grant
City High’s High School Urban EcoStewards are pictured in front of the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center.
Phil-osophy Phil Gruszka, Director of Parks Management and Maintenance, talks about the parks. If you have questions for Phil, please email info@pittsburghparks.org with “Phil” in the subject.
Why are invasive species bad? Although many plant species are introduced to the United States from other countries without causing any ecological damage, the small percentage of non-native plants that do become invasive has a devastating impact. Pittsburgh’s parks provide evidence of the rampant spread of invasive species, from garlic mustard to Japanese knotweed. Left unchecked, invasive species can take over sections of parkland, killing a wide variety of native vegetation and destroying the biological diversity that creates habitat for wildlife and keeps an ecosystem functioning. How does the Parks Conservancy control invasive species? The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy works vigilantly with the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Parks and Forestry crews and the City Forester to control the spread of invasive species in the parks. The help of volunteers is also invaluable in this effort. Here are just a few ways the Conservancy helps to manage invasives: • Seasonal removal of invasives (including girdling of Norway maples in winter, picking garlic mustard in spring, and vine removal in summer). • Volunteer days and Urban EcoSteward trainings devoted to educating community residents about invasive species and teaching them the proper way to remove and control them. • Commitment to planting and promoting species native to Southwestern Pennsylvania. • Genetic studies of tree cultivars planted in the parks to determine whether they will become environmentally aggressive. • Targeted use of appropriate pesticides. • GPS mapping of new invasive species populations.
DPW - Our City partner at Schenley Plaza The Parks Conservancy has lead management responsibilities for Schenley Plaza under a long-term lease from the City. The City’s Department of Public Works is also a key contributor to the overall plan. Since June 2008, Jeff Creighton of the City’s Department of Public Works has worked daily at Schenley Plaza. The Plaza is supervised by the Parks Conservancy’s Plaza Manager, Jim Griffin, who works closely with Mr. Creighton. “Jeff is a dedicated worker, and he makes the Plaza a better place for visitors,” said Mr. Griffin. A key member of the Plaza team, Mr. Creighton’s Jeff Creighton works on maintenance throughout Schenley responsibilities range from Plaza, including trash removal, gardening, lawn care, and on-site minor repairs to lawn repairs. care to snow and leaf removal in the colder months of the year. He While Mr. Creighton raves about works along side the Parks Conservancy’s the rest of the Plaza staff and his flexible Gardener, Angela Masters. The two schedule, he values the opportunity to partner on the care of the Plaza’s gardens. interact with Plaza visitors the most. “Schenley Plaza was something that “My favorite part of working at the Oakland needed. People spend all day Plaza is the kids. The excitement on cooped up in office buildings, and they their faces when they see the carousel is need a chance to get away,” said Mr. just priceless,” said Mr. Creighton. Creighton.
Invasive Advisor Invasive plants choke out the biodiversity of our natural areas – even in our own backyards. Many of the plants are non-native, meaning they were not part of our original habitat, but introduced from other countries, often for gardening and landscaping. With few or no natural enemies, these plants can now be seen taking over entire landscapes. Learn to recognize and control invasive species by picking up Plant Invaders of the Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas at the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center. You can also find an Invasive Plants of Pittsburgh guide on our website. Please avoid planting these aggressors in your own garden.
Common name: Purple Loosestrife Scientific name: Lythrum salicaria Origin: Europe
Barry A. Rice
Purple Loosestrife
Description: Purple loosestrife is an herbaceous, wetland perennial that can grow to heights of 6.5 feet with 30-50 stems forming wide-topped crowns that dominate the herbaceous canopy. A woody rootstock provides for growth in spring and re-growth if the above-ground shoots are cut or damaged. A rain garden was installed at the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center in late April with funding from a 2009 Heinz Youth Philanthropy Grant. In addition, five rain barrels were installed at the back of the Café – each capturing 133 gallons of water. The Parks Conservancy will be installing interpretive signs at the site in the coming months. The rain barrels were provided by the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association.
Ecological Threat: One mature plant can produce more than two million seeds annually. Seeds are easily dispersed by water and in mud adhered to aquatic wildlife, livestock, and people. Purple loosestrife threatens endangered native wetland plants and wildlife by eliminating natural foods and cover. Dense plants can also impede the flow of water. Management Options: Purple loosestrife is difficult to control; therefore, the best and least costly management option is prevention. Control methods include mowing, pulling, cultivation, and use of fire and flooding. Hand pulling is only effective on small populations.
Unsung spots in the parks While Pittsburgh’s parks have many areas that are often filled with people, the lesser known sites offer quiet beauty and a chance to take in nature.
Summer Concert Series with Frank Cunimondo & Patricia Skala, 11:30 a.m. @Mellon Square
Pope’s View, Riverview Park
August 15
Sundays in the Park with Lilly Abreu, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
When Riverview Park was created in 1894, it was composed mainly of pastures that had been used in dairy farming. Today tall trees cover much of the park. Pope’s View is one of the only places to catch a “river-view” in the park.
August 18
Lunchtime Tour, 12:15 p.m. @Mellon Square
August 19
Summer Concert Series with Jessie Glover 11:30 a.m. @Mellon Square
August 22
Sundays in the Park with Tania Grubbs, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
August 27
WYEP Final Fridays, 7:00 p.m. @Schenley Plaza
August 29
Sundays in the Park with Charlie Sanders, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
September 2
Summer Concert Series with Kenia 11:30 a.m. @Mellon Square
September 11
Jazz Day in the Park, Noon @Schenley Plaza
September 12
Sundays in the Park with Etta Cox, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
September 12
Kids Day!, 2 p.m. @Schenley Plaza
September 14
Urban EcoSteward Late Season Invasives Training 6:00 p.m. @Highland Park
September 15
Lunchtime Tour, 12:15 p.m. @Mellon Square
September 15
What’s going on in Panther Hollow? 6:30 p.m. @Botany Hall, Phipps Conservatory
September 16
Summer Concert Series with Donna Bailey 11:30 a.m. @Mellon Square
September 16
Tree Tender Course, 5:30 p.m. @Riverview Park
September 19
Sundays in the Park with Donna Bailey, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
September 23
Tree Tender Course, 6:30 p.m. @Riverview Park
September 24
WYEP Final Fridays, 7:00 p.m. @Schenley Plaza
September 26
Sundays in the Park with Erin Burkett, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
September 30
Summer Concert Series with Tim Stevens 11:30 a.m. @Mellon Square
September 30
Tree Tender Course, 6:30 p.m. @Riverview Park
October 3
Sundays in the Park with Maureen Budway, Noon @Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center
October 9
Urban EcoSteward Native Seed Collection Training 9:30 a.m. @Frick Park
October 13
1960s World Series Celebration 1 p.m. @Schenley Plaza
Stan Franzos
August 12
Nine Mile Run is a beautiful wetland habitat.
Nine Mile Run, Frick Park Nine Mile Run, specifically the section running from Commercial Street to the Monongahela River, is a lowtraffic spot teeming with interesting flora and fauna. To get to this spot, take the “Jeep Trail,” a functioning trail on the Swisshelm Park side of the stream. Pass under the Commercial Street bridge and check out the restored wetland habitat that was created as part of the Nine Mile Run aquatic ecosystem restoration, thanks to the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, the City of Pittsburgh, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is a great place in the parks to watch dragonflies, damselflies, and even a great horned owl.
Seasonal Pools, Highland Park Once a large patch of grass that regularly flooded and contributed to water runoff onto Washington Boulevard at Allegheny River Boulevard, this area is now a unique wetland habitat.
Calendar
Pope’s View is a secluded spot with a great view of the river.
To see the view, take the Snyder’s Point Loop Trail. A few minutes’ walk on the trail gives you a pleasant prelude to the meadows and wonderful view that follow.
Pool Meadow, Schenley Park Located just past the fence that borders the Schenley Park swimming pool, this meadow was previously used as a lawn before the Parks Conservancy transformed it in 2007. There are many reasons that meadows are a great part of the park’s ecology. Meadows are beautiful to look at, increase the park’s overall biodiversity, soak up storm water, and require less maintenance—and are a great place to spot butterflies.
Yoga: Mondays at Noon, Saturdays at 10:00 a.m @Schenley Plaza Cardio Bootcamp: Sundays at 11:00 a.m. @Schenley Plaza Walks in the Woods: Every Wednesday through September For more information, visit parksarefree.com or pittsburghparks.org/calendar.
Check out the
Pittsburgh Jazz Society’s Festival Saturday, September 11 Noon at Schenley Plaza featuring Sean Jones with music by Benny Benack, Roger Humphries Big Band, and the Joe Negri Trio presented by
DOUBLE
THE
OF YOUR Today, the Seasonal Pools are easy to maintain and ecologically diverse.
In 2006 the Parks Conservancy sowed native seed mixes all around the ponds, laying the foundation for a biodiverse habitat. Now, water fills the wetland pools and infiltrates the soil via the deep roots of dozens of different types of wildflowers.
POWER
DONATION
Would you like to maximize your donation to the Parks Conservancy? Contact your employer to learn if you have a matching gift program.
The pool meadow exemplifies a diverse park habitat.
“I have used Verizon’s Matching Gifts program since 2006. It has provided me with the opportunity of knowing that my gift goes twice as far!” said Parks Conservancy donor Paula Pfrommer.
Keep Parks Forever Beautiful Make a Bequest
You can give to the Parks Conservancy during your lifetime or under the terms of your will. To learn more about how you can support the Parks Conservancy through planned giving, please call (412) 682-7275 x228. We urge you to consult with your legal and financial advisors to assist you in arranging the best method of contributing. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is tax-exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Contributions to the Parks Conservancy are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information for the Parks Conservancy may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Restoration work planned for McKinley Park McKinley Park is a valuable amenity to many Pittsburgh neighborhoods, especially Beltzhoover, Bon Air, and Knoxville. This park, although lovely, needs considerable attention to trail infrastructure and particularly tree health. The Parks Conservancy is partnering with the City of Pittsburgh to improve this resource and restore the wooded oasis for the community. State Representative Jake Wheatley has shown concern for the park and has been instrumental in securing a much needed committment of state funds for the park (see page 3). Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak is also participating in the park improvement efforts. “We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with the City and State to improve this beautiful urban forest,” said Meg Cheever, President and CEO of the Parks Conservancy. Historic stone entryways that once welcomed visitors to McKinley Park are deteriorating, and residents from surrounding neighborhoods are seeking to reestablish connections throughout the park. “The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works is pleased to gain assistance from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for McKinley Park,” said Mike Gable, Deputy Director of Public Works.
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Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak and Mike Gable of DPW examine the condition of historic steps in McKinley Park.
“McKinley Park is not well known, but it is very beautiful. I look forward to working with community members to improve the park and make it better known to everyone in the region,” said Councilwoman Rudiak. A pilot project is expected to restore one of the stone entryways, including the stairs, surrounding landscaping, and a nearby trail
segment. The Parks Conservancy is issuing a local appeal to raise $75,000 that will release a $75,000 match from the State of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital program. A community meeting about the park will be held in Beltzhoover soon. To learn more and support the McKinley Park project, visit pittsburghparks.org/donate.
Stargaze
at the Mellon Park Walled Garden
*Please note that this one-time $5 donation will be added to your phone bill for this month.
Stop by Mellon Park each evening to enjoy the illumination of 7:11 am 11.20.1979 79º55’w 40º27’n by Janet Zweig, © 2009.
©Denmarsh Photography
Text PARKS to 85944 and donate $5 to the Parks Conservancy.