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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT here are two things that drive the Parks Conservancy: first, our mission to restore Pittsburgh’s parks so that residents have urban green space to enjoy, advocate and steward. The second? Funding. Without it we don’t have the resources to achieve our park restoration goals. That’s why we are thrilled to report that we have been awarded $3 million in federal funding to implement our comprehensive park sign program and trail restoration. On behalf of the PPC and its membership, I am tremendously grateful for the efforts of Congressman Mike Doyle and Senator Arlen Spector in securing these funds. Thanks to their efforts, PPC can move forward next year to install new park signs and restore miles of trails. New signs and trail restoration will provide every park-user an enhanced outdoor experience. Even though we have created park maps to direct users to amenities and trails, many people have told us that they are still hesitant to use the parks since there is nothing in the park to help direct them through the trails and to the amenities. We are pleased to make the parks more welcoming with an array of handsome new signs (see page 5 for
Richard Kelly
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
image of sign prototype). The sign program will have many purposes. Way-finding signs will direct visitors to park amenities, trail markers will label trails and mark distances, information kiosks will display park maps and provide a location for public announcements, and interpretative panels will provide interesting facts on park history and ecology. Trail restoration work will help improve the current network of trails and make it sustainable. Trails currently eroding in Frick Park will become stable biking and hiking paths. Highland Park’s limited trail system will expand. Crumbling, historic bridges in Schenley Park will be repaired. Access will be enhanced in Riverview Park for the soonto-be restored Chapel Shelter. But the implementation of our sign program and trail restoration, is only the first step in achieving our mission. The lasting social impact of these projects is where we achieve our greatest success. A new constituency of park-users will be armed with information and a sense of empowerment to discover Pittsburgh’s green spaces. Thousands of walkers, joggers and bikers will be encouraged to explore. Park-users like you will have better opportunities for healthy recreation, reflection and reprieve. But please don’t wait to explore Pittsburgh’s parks. This is the season to enjoy the landscape teeming with fall color. We welcome you to appreciate our parks.
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. (see below for information on how to win a free lunch at the Visitor Center.)
Off-leash dogs a concern on trails
The parks are lovely, and I really do enjoy them – but something must be done to enforce the leash laws on the trails, particularly in Schenley and Frick parks! From my estimation more than half of the many users who walk their dogs have them running free. This is a potentially dangerous situation and has caused discomfort for many others. Dog owners and runners would like to see something done about it. Donna Naples Shadyside
Finding a Friend in the Park
In September of 1931, our family moved from a home surrounded by many acres of land and woods. We were a family of 10 children from age 18 ready to go into college with the youngest being six months of age. Our new home in the Highland Park area had a handkerchief-sized yard. Highland Park became our refuge and lifted our spirits. We all loved it. It was indeed a friend we needed. Jeanne A. Shaffer Highland Park
Win a free lunch at the Schenley Park Visitor Center The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy wants to hear your stories and comments on the park. Write in your: • favorite park experience this summer; • favorite spot in the four regional parks; • what you remember in the park but is no longer there; • how we could make the parks a better place. All responses will be entered in a drawing to win a free lunch at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. A selection of the stories will be published on this page. Email your responses to: aenz@pittsburghparks.org or mail them with your contact information to: 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219.
The Highland Park fountain continues to run through the end of October at the Highland Avenue entrance.
Thanks from Highland Park Community
Please thank all of the workers, volunteers, and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff for the efforts to keep the water flowing in Highland Park! The PPC is making the parks quite an asset to the city and entire region. I get comments from many people about the changes to the Park and how much they like it. Keep up the good work, and keep us informed of what is happening and what the community can do to keep the parks looking great. Bob Starseniz, President Highland Park Community Club, Inc.
Looking forward to Schenley Plaza
It is with great pleasure that I contribute to the Schenley Plaza Campaign. What a wonderful way to honor my family [by buying an engraved brick]. Having grown up in Greenfield, my family and I spent many a summer day enjoying Schenley Park and Panther Hollow Lake and the boathouse in winter. I have worked at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union for 33 years and am happy to see the additional green space added to the Oakland area. I look forward to having lunch in the new plaza. Keep up the good work! Christine A. Chergi Point Breeze For more information on how you can support Schenley Plaza through other sponsorship opportunities see page 3 of The Voice.
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Art of the Park Exhibit Opens at Concept Gallery in Regent Square riginal artwork inspired by Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks are now on exhibit and for sale at Concept Gallery in Regent Square (1031 S. Braddock Avenue) through October 23. Twenty-five local artists created these works for Art of the Park, a new event for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to aid park awareness and restoration. The Patron Preview included a reception at the gallery and private dinners with the artists in park-supporters’ homes. All ticket proceeds benefited the PPC. Learn more about the artists and their work on October 6 during a lunchtime lecture at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. (See page 8 for details.) Fifteen percent of art sales benefit the PPC. For more information contact Concept Gallery at 412-242-9200.
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The PPC would like to thank: • Michael Maskarinec, co-curator, creative director of WQED • Sam Berkovitz, co-curator, owner and director of Concept Gallery • Tim and Linda Burke, event co-chairs • Dinner hosts • 25 of Pittsburgh’s finest artists
“Riverview Park in Autumn” by Charlie Pitcher
The exhibit includes works from: Sue Abramson Bob Bowden Charlee Brodsky with Jane McCafferty Ron Donoughe Aaronel Gruber Clyde Hare Jane Haskell Richard Kelly Michael Maskarinec Cliff McGill Mark Mentzer Karen Meyers
Jim Nelson Bill Pfahl Charlie Pitcher Bob Qualters Bob Raczka Gordon Rosenthal Joe Seamans Barry Shields Richard Stoner Michael M. Strueber Bill Vrscak Paul Weigman Armand Wright
“Trail at Frick Park” by Aaronel Gruber. These two pieces are just a glimpse of the artwork that is currently on display at the Concept Gallery in Regent Square through October 23.
Schenley Plaza Construction Nears Completion Grand Opening Slated for Spring By Amy Ripley
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“It will always be a visual representation of what we can achieve when we work together collectively. No one person can take credit for this project that will greatly improve the quality of life in Oakland,” Clark said. Partners in the Schenley Plaza restoration include the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Oakland Investment Committee of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Oakland Taskforce, the City of Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of PA.
Plaza Sponsorship Opportunities Available s
are scheduled for March. Modeled after the enormously successful Bryant Park in New York City, which draws thousands of people each day with an array of food and programming options, Schenley Plaza will reflect and serve Oakland’s diversity. “Oakland is a cultural melting pot and the Plaza will be no different,” said Meg Cheever, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy president. “You’ll see students on their laptops using the free wireless. You’ll see professionals eatThe newly planted rows of tiarella and heuchera ground cover, which ing lunch on the lawn. You’ll see are both native to Pennsylvania, were recently planted at the plaza. children on the PNC carousel and y the end of November, major constructourists admiring the formal gardens. It will be tion of Schenley Plaza is expected to be the place to go for people-watching.” complete and Oakland residents and visiFour food kiosks have been constructed and tors can look forward to a vibrant public space will offer a variety of fare from local vendors. opening in spring. Ongoing leisure, educational and entertainment Schenley Plaza, formerly a parking lot between programming will be a significant draw to visithe Carnegie and Hillman Libraries along Forbes tors looking for music, children’s activities and Avenue, has been reclaimed as the grand outdoor theater. entrance to Schenley Park and will reopen as a “This is the signature project for the revitalization public green space offering food, entertainment of Oakland,” said Renny Clark, chair of the and a respite from Oakland’s urban bustle. Oakland Task Force and vice chancellor of the Construction fences will remain in place University of Pittsburgh. through winter to protect freshly laid sod and “Once complete, the space will be used by the flower bulbs. Final garden plantings and installa- entire community including the residents of tion of finishing touches, including most signs, Oakland, students and visitors to the region.”
CHAIR $175 (with nameplate) ENGRAVED BRICK $250 GARDEN BED $1,200–$10,000 (with plaque)
BENCH $10,000 (with plaque) CAROUSEL ANIMAL $20,000 (with plaque)
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DONOR RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES IN
SCHENLEY PLAZA AND THE FOUR REGIONAL PARKS CALL
412-682-7275
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
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Duane Ashley Discusses Citiparks Programming Q: What are your responsibilities as the Director of Citiparks? A: As Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, otherwise known as Citiparks, my duties include the supervision, equipping, operation and care of parks, forestry, playfields, gymnasiums, swimming pools, indoor recreation facilities and other facilities as City Council may direct. However, in practice, the supervision and management of parks, forestry, and playfields has been under the administration of the Department of Public Works since the early 1990’s. Q: What parks does Citiparks work in? A: The City of Pittsburgh is blessed with an abundance of parks, parklets, and green spaces situated within the 90+ city neighborhoods. In an effort to provide safe, accessible, and fun-filled activities for our residents, our approach is to diversify our resources without diminishing quality. For instance, our Roving Art Cart serves more than 50 neighborhoods during the summer with the majority of these sessions held in park areas. If you count the numerous city-wide athletic competitions, concerts, educational programs, events and community services, there’s hardly a park area in the entire network that doesn’t host a Citiparks’ event.
Duane Ashley, director of the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Q: What are your most popular programs? A: Our flagship programs include The Great Race, Cinema in the Parks, Farmers’ Markets, Bach, Beethoven & Brunch, BIG League and our Senior Games.
Q: Do you have anything new in the works for the 2006 programming calendar? A: Hopefully we can make it through the budget process without a loss of additional resources. If this occurs we can, at a minimum, provide a sustainable level of service next year. However, one new initiative might be a joint venture with Point Park University that will afford middle-school youth the opportunity to attend a summer-long camp. Also, we will most likely produce activities surrounding the 2006 Major League Baseball AllStar Game. Q: The Citiparks Department also runs a number of recreational facilities. What are the most popular? A: Our most popular recreational facilities are the swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts and lastly, the ballfields. We have made tremendous strides in constructing a variety of non-traditional assets such as skateparks, an indoor tennis dome, a cycling course, and both walking and competitive tracks. Although we are not directly responsible for our trail system, I would be remiss to not mention the extraordinary efforts of our Mayor in creating and enhancing many new miles of trail development throughout the city. Q: What would you like to do but you don’t have the resources for? A: Well… if you happen to have a few millions lying around, I would very much like to construct the first public “family aquatic center.” Barring that happening, I would settle for significant funding to support the construction of one or two sports turf fields in the city. Q: Where can people find more information on Citiparks programming and events? A: Our very popular Citiparks summer magazine is an invaluable resource guide for programs, events and facilities. You can also access our web site, which includes a downloadable version of the magazine at www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks or call 412-255-2359. Q: How did you get involved in the Citiparks Department? A: After my aspiration of becoming a gym teacher and coach in the public school system didn’t pan out, I sought employment with the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation’s Open Schools Program during the late 1970’s. I instructed tennis and power volleyball.
Citiparks Regional Park Fall Activities Frick Environmental Center Activities: Volunteer Days Bump in the Night 7-9 pm (for children 8+) October 14, 15, 21, & 22 Saturdays $6/adult ($5 for members) October 8 $4/child ($4 for members) November 19 Highland Park Farmers’ Market Thursdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. through November 16 Pittsburgh Zoo lower parking lot at Butler and Baker Street Call 412-255-2359 for more information. 0505009_PizzazzAd_C
7/28/05
12:21 PM
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The Tenth Anniversary of FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2005 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
“Pittsburgh’s Premier Shopping Opportunity”
30 Boutiques from across the country AT THE FOX CHAPEL GOLF CLUB • 426 FOX CHAPEL ROAD Lunch available by reservation For Information please call 412-963-8217 Funds from Pizzazz support the Garden Club’s Community projects.
including the Pittsburgh Parks
Pittsburgh Park Conservancy volunteers have been hard at work helping to restore our parks. Here’s what our volunteers have been doing:
Carnegie Mellon University 240 hours of work Schenley Park – removed invasive plants, stabilized slopes and recreated trail edge at Westinghouse Pond Robert Morris University 400 hours of work Schenley Park – removed invasive plants and planted trees in Phipps Run Junior League 72 hours of work Schenley Park – clean-up and invasive plant removal around Westinghouse Pond Student Conservation Association Appx. 7,000 hours of work Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley park – High school students worked to rebuild trails, create new trails and remove invasive plants
THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY PRESENTS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 2005 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thank You, Volunteers!
Urban EcoStewards 90 hours of work Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley park – 34 stewards maintained 31 acres of park land Park Docents 150 hours of work Led park walks on a weekly basis through Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter FEDERAL FUNDS, FROM PAGE 1 urban parks. The hundreds of trails that lace through park woodlands and meadows will also be restored, enhancing capital improvements already made by the City and PPC. “The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is enormously grateful to Congressman Doyle and Senator Specter for recognizing the importance of urban parks to the quality of life of the region,” said A preview of what the interperative panels will look like. PPC President Meg Cheever. “We are very fortunate to have received a generous grant from the Buhl Foundation to fund the conceptual design of our signage program,” she said. “Now, because of the efforts of Congressman Doyle and Senator Specter, we can implement the plan almost immediately.” The park signs will provide visitors directions to buildings and trails, post park rules and regulations, and convey information on park history, attractions, flora and fauna. Schenley Plaza, which opens this spring in Oakland, will be the first space to feature the new signs. Riverview will be the next park to receive signs as part of the Chapel Shelter restoration. PPC is currently working with Kolano Design to finalize sign locations throughout the regional park system. “We in the City are proud to have initiated the public-private partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to improve and restore our four largest historic parks,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “I am delighted that we have received this generous federal help to move our restoration plans along.” The comprehensive sign program and trail restorations are expected to take several years to complete.
MADCAP, FROM PAGE 1 365. Madcap Masquerade tickets are $250 per person, which includes dinner, drinks, valet and admission to After Nine. Tickets for the late-night, After Nine are $65. After October 14 and at the door, admission is $275 and $75, respectively. Tickets can be purchased through ProArts Tickets at www.proarts.org or 412-394-3353. More information is available by contacting the Conservancy
Second of a Series
The Invasive Advisor
Invasive plants are choking out the biodiversity of our natural areas – even in our own back yards. These invasive, non-native plants are not part of our original habitat, but were introduced from other countries, often for gardens and landscaping. With few or no natural enemies, you can now see these plants taking over entire landscapes like roadsides, disturbed woodlands and our parks. Help us fight the battle! Learn to recognize and control invasive species by reading this column and by picking up Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. ($4.00, published by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
This edition: Porcelainberry
The berries of Porcelainberry turn bright purple, blue and teal in the fall.
Common name: Porcelainberry Scientific name: Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Origin: China, Korea, Japan and Russia. Porcelainberry was originally cultivated as a bedding and landscape plant. Threat: This climbing vine shades out native shrubs and young trees. The seeds of porcelainberry germinate readily in the soil after natural or human disturbance. Habitat: Porcelainberry occurs from New England to North Carolina and west to Michigan. It grows well in most soils, especially in pond margins, stream banks, thickets and waste places, where there is full sunlight to partial shade, and where it is not permanently wet. Size: Vines grow to heights of 15 to 20 feet. Identifying characteristics: Porcelainberry is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine of the grape family that climbs by tendrils that grow opposite the leaves on the stem. It has alternating leaves with coarsely toothed edges that vary from slightly lobed to deeply dissected. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in clusters in summer. Berries appear in the fall, ranging in color from white to yellow, to shades of green, lilac, purple, turquoise and sky blue. Look-alikes: Native grape species and several native species of Ampelopsis Control techniques: Hand pruning in the fall or spring will prevent flower buds from forming the following season. Vines on trees can be cut to prevent seed formation and further damage to trees. Systemic herbicides are also effective. Native alternatives: Virgin’s bower, trumpet creeper, trumpet honeysuckle Source: www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/ambr.htm
Invasive Plant Experts Work to Boost Biodiversity in Parks By Jason Witmer
nvasive Plant Control, Inc. has been working closely with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff to target project areas which have hard to eliminate patches of invasive plants. Invasive plants are not native to an area and pose a problem because they take over habitat and limit the growth of native species. They often come from other countries and grow rapidly in a region because they have no natural predators. “It’s so hard to control these species,” said Lee Patrick, the vice president of Invasive Plant Control Incorporated. “Eventually they start populating an area and you lose all your biodiversity. Invasive plants are now the number-one cause for loss of biodiversity, eclipsing habitat loss by development.” Mary Beth Steisslinger, the restoration coordinator for the PPC, says they are tackling this
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problem in a number of ways. “One of our ultimate goals is to improve the biodiversity of the parks,” said Steisslinger. “We’re trying to create the best level of habitat we possibly can for birds and other species.” Many of the PPC’s volunteer days and programs are geared toward removal of these plants through mechanical methods. Manual removal, however, is costly and labor intensive. Certain species such as mile-aminute, purple loosesfrife, knotweed and porcelain berry are almost impossible to remove by strictly mechanical means. In these cases herbicides are more effective. “In my experience, when used appropriately, herbicides can be a very effective tool, among others, in restoring natural areas,” said Steisslinger. Many of the areas that are being treated, such
as Panther Hollow in Schenley Park and the Babbling Brook in Highland Park, have already had many of the invasives removed by volunteers, but there are still areas where the invasive plants continue to return. “We have a choice of the lesser of two evils,” said Patrick. “Do you want a landscape populated by only one species or do you want to use an herbicide which will leave the ecosystem in a couple of weeks? Invasives don’t leave in a couple of weeks.” Herbicides kill invasive species more quickly and with less labor. They also kill the plant completely, whereas manual removal often leaves the root and the plant will grow back. Steisslinger noted that one of the best ways for the public to help is in their own yards. Removing invasive plant species, and planting natives will limit the spread of harmful species.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
Riverview Park Landscape Changed Dramatically By Amy Ripley
s part of the landscape overhaul at Riverview Park’s Chapel Shelter, about 30 percent of the area’s invasive tree population has been removed, dramatically changing the wooded area. “The landscape was so overrun with invasive trees that we ended up marking the ones we wanted to keep, rather than the ones we wanted to remove,” said Phil Gruszka, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy director of parks management and maintenance. The invasive Siberian elms and Norway maples were over-shading the landscape, inhibiting biodiversity and growth of native plant species. Their removal is part of PPC’s sixth capital showcase project, the restoration of the Chapel Shelter. The shelter is Riverview Park’s feature picnic pavilion that has been closed for more than 2 years because of deterioration. New native trees, including Linden, Sugar maples and Oaks are being planted, though further away from the Chapel Shelter than the previous tree line, so that they won’t compete with the new flower beds and landscaping, Gruzska said.
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Plans include restoration of a historic lilac collection that was originally part of a formal garden during the turn of the century. “This collection will be re-established as a principle feature of the landscape,” Gruzska said. “After the restoration the whole area will look much more park-like.” Other landscape features include re-planting of historic iris beds throughout the site and trail restoration to improve accessibility to the pool and Snyder’s Point, a natural area that has a re-established view of the Ohio River. The project also includes the creation of an entry drive and 15-car parking area that will accommodate groups renting the facility once it reopens. While funding is pending to complete the landscaping, Gruszka said PPC staff, the City Department of Public Works and volunteers have made great progress on preliminary work. Construction on the building is slated to begin in late fall, according to Bruce Padolf of the City Engineering Department. The Chapel Shelter will be rebuilt, copying the building’s original design from the late 1800s.
Phil Gruzska (right) works with members of the Riverview Park crew David Lex (left) and Eddie Harrison (middle) to plant new, native trees behind the Chapel Shelter. David Lex passed away in September of 2005. A memorial tree will be planted in his memory near the Wissahickon building in Riverview park.
New Trail in Highland Park: SCA Student Crews Volunteer Labor
Haley Miller
By Alice Enz
SCA crew in Highland Park.
edestrians and bikers in Highland Park are now able to travel more easily through the entirety of Highland Park, thanks to a new half-mile trail constructed by volunteers this summer.
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Pittsburgh Parks Amy Ripley Projects Coordinator
Debbie Beck Chief Financial Officer
Mary Beth Steisslinger Restoration Coordinator
Philip J. Gruszka Director of Park Management and Maintenance Policies
Brandi Fergelec Schenley Park Visitor Center
Alice Enz Project Manager
“Each year the group seems to improve,” said Blankenship. This is the third year he has worked with the SCA crews. Additional SCA crews worked throughout the four regional parks this summer, building trails, removing invasive plants and working to improve the parks. There were nine crews working in Highland, Schenley, Riverview and Frick parks to restore trails and native plant habitat. “The crews in Highland Park had an incredible work ethic,” Blakenship said. “They did a great job and managed to get through projects that we would not have had time for this season.” The SCA’s work helped the PPC and City move closer to achieving a goal of the Regional Parks Master Plan – improving the trail infrastructure in Highland Park. Visitors can access the new trail entrance at Reservoir Drive, near the Babbling Brook.
FALL FOLIAGE OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Meg Cheever President and CEO
Jessica Todd Development Coordinator
A six-person crew from the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national organization that engages young people in handson conservation projects, worked for one month to construct the new environmentally sensitive trail, which connects Reservoir Drive to the lower part of the park near the pool and Lake Carnegie. “It was the first job for many on my crew, and the Park Foreman, Damon Blankenship, made sure that they understood that this was a real job, where the community counted on the quality of work,” said Haruna Madono, a first-time SCA crew leader. “The Department of Public Works staff also came by several times during the summer to encourage the crew.” On a daily basis crews did very labor intensive work such as cutting a trail into a slope, moving soil, and removing invasive plants to create a trail with slopes that would hold up to heavy traffic.
Beth Bodamer Administrative Assistant Gudrun Wells Volunteer Education Coordinator
Liz Style Docent Coordinator A special thanks to board member Marc Jampole for his continued editorial assistance with The Voice. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-682-PARK (7275) www.pittsburghparks.org
Where and when can I see the best fall color? In Pittsburgh’s parks you can see the entire autumn palette, but in particular, the wooded trails in Frick (Tranquil Trail) and Riverview (Observatory or Snyder’s Point Loop Trail) parks are canopied by spectacular color. Fall’s peak is usually the middle two weeks of October in Western Pennsylvania. Cooler, high elevations will show color before valleys. To stay updated with fall color reports, you can log onto www.fallinpa.com or call the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-354-4595. Can autumn leaf color help me identify trees? Yes. Characteristically, oaks turn red, brown or russet; hickories, golden bronze; dogwood, purplish red; beech, light tan; red maples, scarlet; sugar maple, orange-red; some trees, like elms, show little or no color with their leaves turning brown, shriveling and falling. Source: www.fallinpa.com, Northeastern Area of USDA Forest Service at www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/misc/leaves/leaves.htm
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Parks are Resources for Area Teachers eachers wanting to give their students hands-on learning experience discovered in a week-long summer workshop how the parks can function as classrooms in a week-long summer workshop. During the Pittsburgh Environmental Teaching Workshop, teachers visited all four regional parks, the CCI Center and “green” facilities to learn about environmental education standards and topics such as watersheds, built environments, environmental law, and renewable and non-renewable resources. Teachers developed a plan for incorporating the materials and activities into their curricula and earned Act 48 credits for participating. The teaching workshop is part of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s education programs and is a collaboration with members of the Green Education Movement. For information on next summer’s course, contact Gudrun Wells at the PPC at 412-682-7275.
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LIVE M USIC T HIS FA L L Sundays in the Park Schenley Park Visitor Center, Noon – 3 p.m. Live outdoor music, kids crafts in the café, park walks at 1 p.m. October 2
Bill Howard’s All-Starz jazz band
October 9
Jazz quartet featuring saxophonist Don Aliquo
October 16
Brad Yoder & Jason Rafalak play original acoustic folk and rock
October 23
Bluegrass and Indie folk with Boca Chica Jazz and blues featuring
October 30
Clair Ascani
Schedule subject to change • 412-687-1800 www.pittsburghparks.org/visitorcenter
WALKS
As part of the course, 19 local educators spent a day with the Frick Environmental Center staff, working with children on an ecological restoration project.
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The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers these walks, which rotate through the CityÕs four Regional ParksÐ Highland, Frick, Riverview and Schenley. Join us to learn some of the trails, plants and wildlife of our urban parks. October Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. 5th: Highland Park Entry Garden 12th: Frick Environmental Center 19t h: Riverview Park main entrance 2 6th: Schenley Park Visitor Center
Sundays at 1 p.m. 9t h, 16th, 23rd, 30th: Schenley Park Visitor Center November Saturday, 5th, 1:30 Highland Park Entry Garden December Sat urday, 3rd, 1:30 Frick Environmental Center January Sat urday 7 th, 1:30 Riverview Park main entrance February Saturday, 4 th, 1:30 Schenley Park Visitor Center March Saturd ay, 4 th, 1:30 Highland Park Entry Garden April Sat urday, 1st, 1:30 Frick Environmental Center Free and open to the public
For more information call 412-682-7275
City Theatre presents
CROWNS September 22 – October 16, 2005 A cast of nine, including Etta Cox and Maria Becoates Bey, tell stories, sing, and wear fabulous hats in this play about the rituals of preparing for and going to Sunday church service, and how to live life with “hattitude.” By Regina Taylor Adapted from the bestselling book By Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry Wear your “crown” to any show and get a Sweet Tea for free.
Performances: Tuesdays at 7 pm, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5:30 and 9 pm Sundays at 2 pm.
CROWNS
Tickets $15 - $40. For tickets or information, call 412.431.CITY or visit CityTheatreCompany.org.
SAVE THE DATE MAY 6, 2006 FOR THE
PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY SPRING HAT LUNCHEON
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
Non-Profit Org. U S POSTAGE
P A I D PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO 4906
Mayor Murphy Joins Fall Lecture Line-Up Courtesy University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
By Amy Ripley
Mayor Tom Murphy (left) will talk October 13. Devra Lee Davis,
PhD, (right) director of the Center for Environmental Oncology will close the series November 3. n the upcoming fall series of Schenley Park Lunchtime Series: Lectures with a View, Mayor Murphy will discuss the development in linking Pittsburgh’s urban green spaces with the objective of creating an “Emerald Necklace” for Pittsburgh. Other topics in the five-week series include: local artists’ efforts for park restoration, a preview of Schenley Plaza, the restoration and design of Riverview Parks’s Chapel Shelter and UPMC’s initiative advocating “green” healthcare. The Schenley Park Visitor Center hosts the series, offering light lunchtime fare, coffees and desserts in the café. The free lecture series runs in the spring and fall and is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Venture Outdoors. Lectures last about 30 minutes and start at noon on the following Thursdays at the Visitor Center. October 6 – Art of the Park Michael Maskarinec, WQED creative director, local artist, and co-curator of Art of the Park, PPC’s new event in conjunction with Concept Art Gallery See a highly visual presentation of the spectacular range of 25 local artists’ interpretations of Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks and learn how their works of art will aid park restoration. October 13 – Creating Pittsburgh’s Emerald Necklace: Trail Development in the City Mayor Tom Murphy Join Mayor Tom Murphy as he tells the story of the development of Pittsburgh’s first-class trail system. The City is proud to boast that it has more than 20 miles of trails throughout the City, often referred to as the “emerald necklace.” Hear how Pittsburgh residents are taking advantage of these natural assets.
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October 20 – Schenley Plaza: A Preview of Oakland’s New Public Space Meg Cheever, president & CEO, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Hear a preview of Schenley Plaza’s exciting spring opening as a vibrant public green space and grand entrance to Schenley Park. Learn about the Plaza’s amenities, diverse programming plans, and why the transformation of this space is a cornerstone to Oakland’s revitalization. October 27 – Planning the Restoration of Riverview Park’s Chapel Shelter Ellis Schmidlapp, president, Landscape Design Associates, Architects Hear how Riverview Park’s Chapel Shelter is being transformed from a deteriorated picnic pavilion to a modernized public amenity, reminiscent of its original design from the late 1800s. Learn how and why the restoration plans unfolded, and enjoy a presentation of the architect’s renderings. November 3 – What’s Going “Green” got to do with Cancer? Devra Lee Davis, PhD, director, Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Marcia M. Barr, director of the Environmental Assessment Monitoring and Control Division According to the National Cancer Institute, 80-90 percent of cancer is attributable to environmental factors. Learn how UPMC is embarking on a disease-prevention initiative for its workers, patients and the community by promoting “green” healthcare practices.
Schenley Park Visitor Center October :10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Book your holiday party soon, dates are filling up fast. Call 412-682-7275 to make a reservation.
PPC MEMBERS RECEIVE 15% OFF EVENT RENTALS THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
New Railing Completes Visitor Center Restoration By Alice Enz
he restoration of the Schenley Park Visitor Center, a process which began more than three years ago, will be completed this fall with the addition of a new railing along the cobblestone road below the building. This railing nearly replicates the historic one that once lined the stony drive that overlooks Panther Hollow. In addition to adding aesthetic detail to the park walk-way, which is used frequently by hikers headed down to the Phipps Run trail, the railing will also improve pedestrian safety. “The Schenley Park Visitor Center has been a multiple-step restoration process,” said Meg Cheever, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy president. “We started with the building and then moved on to the ecological restoration of the slopes behind it, which are only now showing their full potential. It’s very rewarding to witness the installation of this final piece of the project. Of course we’ll also need to continue with quality maintenance of the building and
Alice Enz
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Two workers from Louis Emmel Ornamental Company work to install the new railing below the Visitor Center.
landscape in the future.” The designer of the railing was Heritage Landscapes, preservation landscape architects and planners, a firm involved in the parks master planning process. Their design was influenced by a rusty railing stake, believed to be a remnant of the original structure, found by a PPC volunteer on the slopes behind the Visitor Center. “The new railing is based on the style and details of the post found below the stone wall during planting work,” said Patricia O’Donnell, principal of Heritage Landscapes. “We developed the metal post and rail design and worked with the fabricators to meet durability, safety and cost-effectiveness issues. From the historic preservation standpoint, the final design is appropriate in both character and details for park rehabilitation.” The project was generously funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and an anonymous foundation.