Nurturing Nature. Planting Possibility.
Spring 2009
theVOICE
in this issue
A Shining Memorial in Mellon Park STAN FRANZOS
A special alchemy creates the bond between person and place, and it gives new meaning to both. When such a bond is revealed by art, it is a gift to all. One young woman’s connection with Mellon Park will soon become visible through a public art project that memorializes her life. Growing up, Ann Katharine Seamans enjoyed the park where the Richard Beatty Mellon family once lived. After Annie’s death in 1999, her parents Joe and Elizabeth wished “to do something that would reflect that bright light that burned within her – something to mirror her spirit in some way….” They chose Mellon Park’s Walled Garden because it was An image of artist Janet Zweig’s starry vision for the Walled Garden. a place of special meaning to Annie, facilitated by the Office of Public Art. Her artwork is and because its restoration would give value to the community. intended as a subtle enhancement to the Walled Garden. Artist Janet Zweig was selected through an open process Janet learned about Annie by talking with her family,
JAKE
MILOFSKY
Hat Lunch comes to Schenley Park page 3
Jerry Voros leads Parks Conservancy Board of Directors page 7
friends, and teachers. When she heard that Annie loved to be in the garden in the evening, watching the stars emerge in the night sky, Janet found her inspiration. Embedded in the lawn will be “stars” in their precise pattern over Pittsburgh at the time of Annie’s birth. The effect will be created by softly glowing circles of light surrounded by small discs inscribed with information about each star. LaQuatra Bonci Associates is collaborating with the Parks Conservancy and the artist to provide restoration design for this project. Construction is planned to begin this summer.
COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY
MELISSA MCMASTERS
Trail work in Highland Park page 5
A historic view of the Walled Garden created for the wedding of Sarah Scaife.
To learn more about the project and artist Janet Zweig, go to www.pittsburghparks.org/mellonpark.
Welcome Spring at Schenley Plaza
MELISSA MCMASTERS
By Jim Griffin
Schenley Plaza is a great spot to spend an afternoon whether enjoying lunch at one of the kiosks or relaxing in the gardens.
2009 will be the most exciting year yet for Schenley Plaza. Live concerts, exercise activities, kids programming and cultural events fill the calendar. This spring Schenley Plaza will host great live music – including Pitt’s Blue, Gold and Green Sustainability Day concert (April 9) and the WYEP Birthday Bash (May 1) – and children’s programming like the International Children’s Festival (May 13 – 17). The Plaza is a great stop for a spin on the PNC Carousel, checking email on the lawn with free wi-fi, or an outdoor meal at one of the fabulous vendors. Our returning kiosks include the award-winning Asia Tea House, Opa Gyros featuring Mediterranean cuisine, and the Bagel Factory, offering breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Schenley Plaza’s free programming provides something special for everyone.
To see a listing of events at Schenley Plaza, please see the “Upcoming Events” calendar on page 7.
Calling all Amateur DJs! The Parks Conservancy is looking for music enthusiasts who are interested in sharing their favorite tunes over lunch. Interested individuals should contact Plaza Manager Jim Griffin with their information and radio-friendly playlist at (412) 682-7275x224 or jgriffin@pittsburghparks.org . You must have your own MP3 player to participate.
COURTESY OF LA QUATRA BONCI
By Susan Rademacher
Page 2
The Voice
RICHARD KELLY
Dear Friends of Pittsburgh Parks,
These days, everyone is looking for ways to make their dollars stretch. This year many of us will be staying closer to home for family vacations and searching for activities that will have little or no impact on our wallets. Thankfully, Pittsburgh’s great parks offer a wealth of free activities right outside our doorsteps. Here are just a few ways to enjoy our parks this spring. If you’re fond of adventure, try mountain biking on the Iron Grate Bike Trail or hiking on the Lower Riverview Trail in Frick Park. Easier trails, like the Mayor’s Trail in Highland Park or the Riverview Loop in Riverview Park, provide a more relaxing way to stroll through the parks’ natural beauty. Trail maps can be printed from our website at www.pittsburghparks.org. Lunch at the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center is another satisfying way to enjoy being in the park. Families will find plenty to do in the city parks. A visit to Schenley Plaza with a funnel cake and a twirl around the Victorian-style PNC Carousel will be the highlight of a child’s day. Take an
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-682-PARK (7275) Fax: 412-622-0160 www.pittsburghparks.org
S t af f
Meg Cheever, President and CEO Richard Reed, Executive Vice President and COO Laurie Anderson, Development Department Manager Debbie Beck, Chief Financial Officer Philip J. Gruszka, Director of Park Management and Maintenance Susan M. Rademacher, Parks Curator Kim Barner, Finance Assistant Beth Bodamer, Executive Assistant Joyce Collier, Development Assistant Lisa Conti, Development Officer - Annual Fund, Administrator - Development Systems Laura Cook, Marketing Communications Coordinator Erin Copeland, Restoration Ecologist William Ferguson, Development Officer - Corporate and Government Relations Jim Griffin, Schenley Plaza Manager Timothy Gyves, Development Officer - Donor Relations and Special Events Melissa McMasters, Online and Community Advocacy Manager Jake Milofsky, Field Ecologist Gudrun Wells, Volunteer Education Coordinator
evening off and catch a movie on Flagstaff Hill sponsored by Citiparks. Grab a kite or something to slide on and head to the Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park. For a larger family gathering, rent a picnic shelter or even the newly restored Riverview Park Chapel Shelter with its wrap-around porch and spacious terrace. Spring is a fantastic time to take in some of the stunning scenery in Pittsburgh’s parks. The Bartlett Street daffodils bloom in Schenley Park, and the Highland Park Entry Garden dazzles with dozens of varieties of spring flowers. For another harbinger of spring, continue to Washington Boulevard and seek out the spring wildflowers blooming at the Seasonal Pools. In Schenley Park, magnolia and cherry blossoms at Westinghouse Pond provide a tranquil canopy for an afternoon stroll. The parks are a great place to learn and experience culture. Enjoy the newly restored Mary E. Schenley Memorial Fountain and the Frick Fine Arts Building in Schenley Park. Become acquainted with the wonders of the sky at the Allegheny Observatory, operated by the University of Pittsburgh and located in Riverview Park. Tours are given free of charge to the public with a reservation (call 412-321-2400 for reservations). One of the greatest things about our parks is that admission is free and open to everyone, even in tough economic times. Please also consider
Government Representatives: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, City of Pittsburgh Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Allegheny County State Representative Dan Frankel Duane Ashley, City of Pittsburgh Guy Costa, City of Pittsburgh Noor Ismail, City of Pittsburgh
The Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park is a great place to visit for family fun.
volunteering your time by becoming an Urban EcoSteward to help keep our parks at their very best. Visit www.pittsburghparks.org for more information. Sincerely,
Public Lecture by Janet Zweig, Public Artist The Office of Public Art and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy invite you to a lecture by artist Janet Zweig. Janet will present her past work, current projects, and her design for the Ann Katharine Seamans Memorial in Mellon Park’s Walled Garden. The lecture will take place on Friday, April 24 at 6:00 PM in The Ellis School Auditorium located at 6425 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. Please RSVP at www.proartstickets.org or by calling (412) 394-3353.
Impersonator by Janet Zweig, 2002.
Board of Directors Alan Ackerman • Joe Belechak • Brian Bronaugh • Linda Burke Meg Cheever • G. Reynolds Clark • John Diederich • Helen Faison Jeremy Feinstein • Audrey Hillman Fisher • Elise Frick • Ethel Hansen Harry Henninger • Dan Holthaus • Elizabeth Howard • Mark Kamlet Becky Keevican • Robbee Kosak • John P. Levis, III • David Malone Debra Meyer • Scarlet Morgan • Brian Mullins • Marlee S. Myers Susan Nernberg • Eliza Nevin • Illah Nourbakhsh • Robert Petrilli James Rogal • Ritchie Scaife • Tom Schmidt • Alex Speyer Jr. Gerald Voros, Chair • Christy Wiegand • Michael Zanic
MELISSA MCMASTERS
Message from the President
Springtime Talks Join staff of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in a series of free noontime talks about caring for our parks and landscape. All talks start at noon at the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center. 04/22/09
The Parks Conservancy celebrates Earth Day and Arbor Day! CSI: Trees – Solving the Mysteries of Long Life By Phil Gruszka, Director of Parks Management and Maintenance
05/13/09
Hands-on Restoration – How Volunteer EcoStewards Rescue Park Ecology By Jake Milofsky, Field Ecologist
06/03/09
No Place Like Home – What You Can Do On Your Own Property to Improve the Watershed By Erin Copeland, Restoration Ecologist
06/24/09
Bigelow’s "Civic Park" – Creating the Schenley Experience By Susan Rademacher, Parks Curator
Page 3
Spring 2009
A Party with a Purpose A Few Words with Co-Chairs Peggy McKnight and Susie Dorrance
By Tim Gyves
Over the past decade, the Spring Hat Luncheon has evolved into something of a Pittsburgh institution. How would you describe it for someone who has never attended? Susie - The Spring Hat Luncheon has become a delightful rite of Spring for many Pittsburghers. It's an elegant and unique fund-raising event. Peggy - Hundreds of fashionable women in unbelievably magnificent hats converse under an array of colossal tents which have been transformed into enchanted gardens. This luncheon is a thing of beauty.
MARY JANE BENT
The Schenley Park Overlook will sparkle with a parade of hats on Saturday, May 2 starting at 11:15 AM. Two of our dedicated Co-Chairs for the Spring Hat Luncheon, Susie Dorrance and Peggy McKnight, show their enthusiasm for this fabulous event - and the Parks Conservancy.
2009 Committee Co-Chairs Susie Dorrance, Charena Swann, Peggy McKnight, and Christine LeClere Hilliard organize the elegant and unique event.
Tickets are available by visiting www.pittsburghparks.org or by contacting Tim Gyves at (412) 682-7275, ext. 208 or tgyves@pittsburghparks.org.
COURTESY OF CITIPARKS
Each year the Spring Hat Luncheon location rotates among our city’s four regional parks. Does a particular park hold any special meaning for you? Susie - My husband and I have lived on the edges of three of our city's four parks --- Highland, Frick, and Schenley. We know first-hand how much parks enhance the quality of life in our city, and we greatly appreciate the improvements brought about by the Parks Conservancy. To read more from our Co-Chairs, visit www.pittsburghparks.wordpress.com.
ALICE ENZ
You’ve been a generous supporter of the Spring Hat Luncheon for several years. Why do you feel it’s important to support this event? Peggy - Supporting the parks will help our city move forward in attracting people to our city. Parks factor strongly into the economic development of a region, along with the schools and other cultural amenities. People look forward to moving to areas where the parks are maintained and families can bike and hike together while enjoying nature.
By Melissa McMasters
For decades, a bridge crossed Nine Mile Run near what is now the southern end of Frick Park. But the scene was very different than it is today: the purpose of the original bridge was to transport industrial waste between the two enormous slag heaps that kept the valley from reaching its potential as a park. The old bridge was removed during the Nine Mile Run stream restoration project because it interfered with the re-engineered stream hydraulics. Today, plans are underway to install a new bridge in this area that will carry pedestrians and bikers. The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works anticipates beginning improvements on the trail that runs along the Swisshelm Park side of the stream, while the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will complete a trail from the new bridge to Old Browns Hill Road, passing below the Summerset at Frick Park development. This trail will link to an
existing trail that meets the Monongahela River at Duck Hollow. Currently, park users can only access the river by walking over rocks in the stream and following an unmarked path. The URA is working to secure funding for the bridge, with an advisory team including the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The Conservancy is providing guidance on making the bridge accessible to all park users and integrating it with the park landscape. Due to budgetary constraints, the bridge will have a metal frame and wooden deck. The Conservancy has been involved with plans to include four stone-wrapped piers around the bridge that call to mind other historic features of Frick Park. Working together, the project stakeholders plan to build a bridge that improves accessibility, minimizes the environmental impact of human use, and provides an attractive new park amenity.
MELISSA MCMASTERS
Bridging a Gap in Nine Mile Run
A new bridge will allow park users to easily cross the Nine Mile Run Stream and continue along a trail to the Monongahela River and the Eliza Furnace Trail.
Page 4
The Voice
Parks Honored
By Laura Cook
By Laura Cook
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy welcomed Richard Reed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on March 1. “We are delighted to welcome Richard Reed to this vital role at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy,” says Parks Conservancy President Meg Cheever. “He is a proven leader and fundraiser, which makes him particularly well-suited to assist the Parks Conservancy in achieving its mission.” Most recently, Mr. Reed served for three years as Executive Vice President of The Pittsburgh Foundation, where he was responsible for daily operations of the Foundation. Mr. Reed also served on the Board of Directors for the Parks Conservancy for nine years. Prior to his tenure at The Pittsburgh Foundation, Mr. Reed worked as the Vice President for Development and Public Affairs for Pressley Ridge. He completed his education at the University of California at Berkeley and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Gilda’s Club of Western PA, the Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education (FAME), the Pressley Ridge Foundation, and the Lockhart Company.
MELISSA MCMASTERS
Richard Reed Joins Parks Conservancy
Richard Reed supervises Conservancy operations, including those at Schenley Plaza. Here he pauses at the Plaza bosque outside the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
In his new role, Mr. Reed will be responsible for the daily operations of the Conservancy, as well as the planning and direction of new projects. Mr. Reed said, “I’m thrilled and honored to be joining the staff of this outstanding organization at this critical time in their evolution.”
The Parks Conservancy has been thrilled to receive a number of awards in recent months. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is proud to receive the Earth Friend Award presented by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and WTAE-TV Channel 4 and sponsored by Sony. Meg Cheever has been honored as one of the region’s top business leaders by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The Business Times has announced the 2009 winners of the Diamond Awards for the region’s Top CEOs, selecting Cheever in the Non-Profit category. There are 12 winners total throughout three categories, Small/Medium For-Profit, Large For-Profit, and Non-Profit. Nominees were evaluated based upon letters of support, their customer service philosophy, their leadership style and relationship with their employees, and contributions to the community. Get Out! Magazine has named Frick Park “Best Urban Escape” based upon a reader survey.
Flowering Up at Riverview Park
The Invasive Advisor
Join the battle! Learn to recognize and control invasive species by reading this column and by picking up Plant Invaders of the Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas at the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center ($4.00). You can also find an “Invasive Plants of Pittsburgh” guide on our website. Please avoid planting these aggressors in your own garden.
Multiflora Rose
DESCRIPTION: Multiflora rose is a thorny, perennial shrub with arching stems (canes), and leaves divided into five to eleven sharply toothed leaflets. The base of each leaf stalk bears a pair of fringed bracts.
JAMES MILLER
Common name: Multiflora Rose Scientific name: Rosa multiflora Origin: Japan, Korea, and eastern China
ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Multiflora rose is extremely prolific and can form impenetrable thickets that exclude native plant species. This exotic rose readily invades open woodlands, forest edges, successional fields, savannas and prairies that have been subjected to land disturbance. As it is still commonly used in state game lands as a food source for deer, it is continuing to escape into the surrounding countryside.
HABITAT: Multiflora grows aggressively in a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions. SIZE: Vigorous plants can grow to 8–9 feet high and up to twice as wide.
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: Plants should be cut to the ground or pulled out with a honeysuckle popper, and seedlings can be hand-pulled at any time of year.
SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES: The native rose species, pasture rose, wild rose, and swamp rose are preferred landscape alternatives.
MELISSA MCMASTERS
Invasive plants are choking out the biodiversity of our natural areas – even in our own backyards. 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.
The entrance to Riverview Park will continue to look lovely this spring thanks to Observatory Hill Inc.’s (OHI) “Flowering Up” project. OHI volunteers, with support from Councilwoman Darlene Harris and under the supervision of Park Foreman Bob Lacki and crew, planted over 1000 flowers in beds throughout the park in 2008 and plan to continue their efforts in 2009. Once flowers are planted, OHI helps the City of Pittsburgh crews by maintaining and watering the beds. OHI also contributes to the North Side by cleaning up litter throughout the park and community.
Spring 2009
Page 5
Carol Hershey’s Parks Legacy
Volunteer in the Parks
COURTESY OF THE HERSHEY FAMILY
By Laurie Anderson
We learned recently that Carol Hershey, a former Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy board member, left a bequest to the Conservancy in her will. Carol was a great lover of the parks and was an active supporter of the Conservancy’s work. One of the gifts she made during her lifetime was a bluestone bench, placed at the Panther Hollow Lake meadow in the shade of a young elm Carol Hershey’s love of Schenley Park led her to leave a bequest to the tree where Carol came for Parks Conservancy. many years to meditate. Her younger daughter Madeleine Hershey relates that Schenley Park was so much a part of her mother’s life that the first part of her memorial service took place around this bench. “Mom loved the parks and would have been pleased to know that her gift may inspire others to consider bequests that will help maintain the parks for future generations.” Schenley Park was close to Carol’s home in Squirrel Hill, and she was an avid park user, enjoying frequent walks in the woods. At the time of her death last September we were honored to receive a number of donations in Carol’s memory. Carol’s bequest is the first that the Conservancy has received. We are moved by both her generosity and her desire to continue her park stewardship after her death.
For more information about leaving a bequest to the Conservancy, please contact Richard Reed at 412.682.7275.
Parks Conservancy Volunteer Days Saturday, April 18 – The Parks Conservancy celebrates Earth Day! Highland Park Seasonal Pools, 9 AM - 1 PM Volunteers will continue the restoration of the seasonal pools, planting trees and removing non-native and invasive plant species. Meet: Parking Area near intersection of Washington and Allegheny River Boulevards.
Saturday, May 16 – Frick Park Firelane Trail, 9 AM - 1 PM Volunteers will work with Parks Conservancy staff to plant and fence trees, and remove non-native and invasive shrubs and vines. Meet: Commercial Avenue Parking area, Frick Park.
All events rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes Sign up with volunteer@pittsburghparks.org or (412) 682-7275x201.
Urban EcoSteward Training Saturday, May 9 – Spring Wetland Walk, 10 AM - 12 PM Learn to identify some of our beautiful native species that grow in the recently renovated wetland. Meet: Frick Park lower parking lot.
Saturday, May 30 – Early Season Invasive Plants, 9 AM - 12 PM Find out how to identify and remove invasive plants early in the season, focusing on limiting flowering. Meet: Highland Park, Bigelow Shelter.
Sunday, June 7 – Bird Walk, 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM Discover the variety of birds that call Pittsburgh home with local birders Chuck Tague and Jack Solomon. Kids activity for ages 5-9 (please RSVP). Meet: Frick Park lower parking lot.
Wednesday, June 24 – Tree & Shrub ID, 6 PM - 8 PM Learn some useful tools for identifying native and non-native trees and shrubs. Meet: Riverview Park, Chapel Shelter.
All events are free and open to the public. Please RSVP for events to Jeff Bergman at jeff@ninemilerun.org or (412) 371-8779x14.
MELISSA MCMASTERS
By Melissa McMasters
Dilapidated, historic footbridges at Schenley Park will be restored through the Comprehensive Trail and Signage Project that includes improvements in all four of the City’s regional parks.
An inaccessible area of Highland Park will soon be returned to use with the construction of a new trail. Using the old Butler Street roadbed, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy plans to build a trail from the hilltop behind the park maintenance building to the park’s lower level near the entrance to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The new trail is part of a federally funded program that will provide trail repairs and signage in the city’s four regional parks. The project will address many critical needs, such as restoring the crumbled stone bridges in Schenley Park’s Panther Hollow, increasing trail access in Riverview Park, and improving trail sections in Frick Park. Highland Park’s trail will pass through a picturesque area, below the Zoo, and above the Highland Park Bridge, offering beautiful views of the Allegheny River. The Parks Conservancy plans to connect this trail to the Washington Boulevard trail that was completed in 2006, providing an unbroken link between the park’s northwest and southeast corners. As with all the Conservancy’s projects, the ecological implications of the trail are being taken into consideration. For example, if the trail area shows evidence of water seepage, the Conservancy can use turnpike construction to elevate the trail, employ erosion control methods, or seed plants to reduce the impact of water runoff. This prevents the trail from frequent wash-outs and increases its lifespan. Construction is expected to begin later this year. If you would like to contribute to the trails project, where your donation is matched 4 to 1 by federal funds, please visit Washington Boulevard trail, built in 2006 alongside the www.pittsburghparks.org/donate and choose seasonal pools, will link to the new trail running along “Federal Trail Match” as your designation. the northern border of Highland Park.
JAKE MILOFSKY
Comprehensive Trail and Signage Project
Page 6
The Voice
UEC Fosters Collaboration By Laura Cook
Members serve on Working Groups that focus on concepts such as Research, Education, and Restoration Tools. The Research group is currently investigating stormwater best practices for our region following a mandate from the EPA to comply with the Clean Water Act and clean up our wet weather overflows. This group focuses on research that is pertinent to Pittsburgh, also researching the topic of urban forestry. The UEC increases the impact of programs through collaboration. This improves the landscape in which we reside, brightening our city and its green spaces for the present and the future.
To read more about the UEC, visit www.pittsburghparks.wordpress.com.
COURTESY OF THE URBAN ECOSTEWARDS
MELISSA MCMASTERS
For the past seven years, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has been a part of the Urban Ecology Collaborative (UEC). This multi-city network was formed to cultivate healthy, safe and vibrant cities through collective learning and united action. Parks Conservancy friends may be most familiar with the UEC’s involvement through the Urban EcoSteward’s program. This is an important function of the UEC, but there is so much more to the organization. The UEC is a model-sharing group that encourages communication and collaboration on projects that organizations are working on while preventing work from being duplicated and wasting valuable fiscal resources.
MELISSA MCMASTERS
If you’re interested in making a difference in Frick, Schenley, Highland or Riverview, become an Urban EcoSteward. To learn more, visit http://www.pittsburghparks.org/ues.
Citiparks Summer Schedule Events like the Roving Art Cart provide for fun in the sun this spring and summer throughout our city parks sponsored by the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Parks and Recreation. For complete and updated event details, please visit the Citiparks website at www.citiparks.net or call 412-255-2539.
Greenfield Glide 5K at Schenley Park Sunday, June 7 at 8:30 AM Citiparks Cinema in the Park Sundays/Wednesday at Schenley Park June 10 - August 23, Dusk Saturdays at Riverview Park June 13 - August 22, Dusk Riverview Park 5K Friday, June 12 at 7 PM Riverview Park Heritage Day Saturday, June 13, Noon - 4 PM
Stars at Riverview concert series Saturdays, June 13 - August 22 7 - 8:30 PM Reservoir of Jazz at Highland Park Sundays, August 2 - 30 from 5-7 PM Run Around the Square 5K Frick Park Saturday, August 22, 9 AM Roving Art Cart Frick, Highland, Schenley, & Riverview Dates to be announced
Daffodils are blooming along Bartlett Street in Schenley Plaza welcoming Spring to Pittsburgh. To date, the Pittsburgh Daffodil Project has planted 7,850 bulbs in the city parks. The daffodils provide a host of benefits. “The daffodils will reduce maintenance costs within the park, increase the park’s overall biodiversity, and contribute to the health of the nearby trees through the mulch that covers them. All of these factors are in addition to being aesthetically pleasing for park users,” says Phil Gruszka, Director of Park Management and Maintenance. If you’re interested in supporting or being a part of the Pittsburgh Daffodil Project, please contact Phil Gruszka at pgruszka@pittsburghparks.org or (412) 682-7275x219.
Spring 2009
April 9
Pitt’s Blue, Gold, and Green Sustainability Day Concert @ Schenley Plaza
April 24
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 11th Stack Read Aloud @ Schenley Plaza
May 1
WYEP Birthday Bash/ Live & Direct CD Release Concert @ Schenley Plaza
May 2
Spring Hat Luncheon, @ the Schenley Park Oval
May 13-17
International Children’s Festival @ Schenley Plaza
May 30
Children’s Carousel Tea @ Schenley Plaza
June 7
Kids Day! @ Schenley Plaza
June 7
CLP Reading Extravaganza! @ Schenley Plaza
June 26
12th Annual WYEP Music Festival @ Schenley Plaza
Schenley Plaza also offers Lunch Time Music on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons starting in April. For a complete schedule of Plaza Events, please visit http://www.pittsburghparks.org/plaza-things-to-do.
The New pittsburghparks.org By Melissa McMasters
In February, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy launched its redesigned website at www.pittsburghparks.org. The new site features in-depth information about each of the regional parks, including history, park features, upcoming events, and information about the Conservancy’s projects. A new calendar allows visitors to see what’s happening in the parks, and photo galleries guide you through the seasons. We have even bigger plans for the future, including interactive park maps, video features, and podcasts, so stay tuned!
Board Spotlight: Jerry Voros By Bill Ferguson
Jerry Voros, a long-standing leader within the Western Pennsylvania community, was elected Board Chair of the Parks Conservancy in December 2008. As a previous chair of the Allegheny Regional Asset District (ARAD) Board of Directors, Mr. Voros has long advocated for parks in the City of Pittsburgh. His commitment and support of the Conservancy are exemplary. What was the impetus behind your initial Jerry Voros began supporting the Parks Conservancy because donation to the Parks of his family’s use of Schenley Park. Conservancy over a when looking at Frick, Highland, decade ago? Riverview, and Schenley Parks and the I lived on Bellefield Avenue, which is renovation and rehabilitation that has located just a few blocks from been accomplished during the past Schenley Park. decade. How do you see our urban parks Which park, and park project, do you system and the Parks Conservancy appreciate the most? playing a vital role in the future of I would like to see us get the Pittsburgh? Environmental Center at Frick Park All cities, no matter the size, need reconstructed and install new parks. They need places where programs that will attract thousands residents can get away without more to a unique center. expense and travel. Parks are free and that is important. Parks are What do you see as the most effective democracy in action, where everyone way to build upon our volunteer base? has access. Parks will continue to play Finding ways to get people into our an important role in the future, as parks will in turn bring more they have in the past. volunteers. I am amazed at the lack of knowledge residents have about what As a longtime supporter and current Board Chair, what has most impressed is available in the parks. The trails are you about the Conservancy? wonderful, but in need of rebuilding. If we could get more people to see I have been impressed with the Parks what we have, as well as what our Conservancy’s ability to get necessities are, we will get all the improvements for our city parks that volunteers we need. local government could not afford or chose not to do. This is evident
MELISSA MCMASTERS
Parks Conservancy Events
Page 7
Page 8
Non-Profit Org. U S POSTAGE
P A I D
The Voice
PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO 4906
Tea Party Enchants Children
Environmental Stewardship Symposium
Saturday July 11 8:30 AM – 2 PM
Children’s tickets are $25 and adult tickets are $50. Tickets are available at www.pittsburghparks.org or by contacting Tim Gyves at (412) 682-7275, ext. 208 or tgyves@pittsburghparks.org.
Most important, this fundraising event generates support for and awareness of the Parks Conservancy’s free programs and activities that inspire kids and their parents to visit the parks and to learn about nature. Encouraging children to be active and inquisitive has a profoundly positive effect on their physical and intellectual development, and parks offer the ideal setting for both. To find out more about the Children’s Carousel Tea, or to learn about the Parks Conservancy’s free programs for kids and families, please visit our website at www.pittsburghparks.org.
Join the Urban EcoStewards, Tree Tenders and Master Gardeners for a collaborative day of learning and fun in Frick Park
With key note, local stewardship opportunities, tea time and field excursions. Register with Jeff Bergman at jeff@ninemilerun.org. Visit www.pittsburghparks.org for more information.
MELISSA MCMASTERS
After a long winter, signs of Spring are appearing. For the past several years, visitors to Schenley Plaza have found a great example in the annual return of the PNC Carousel, which continues to delight people of all ages. On Saturday, May Shelley Uku and daughter Angelique enjoyed the afternoon at the 2008 PNC Children’s Carousel Tea. 30th, the Parks Conservancy will host the second annual Children’s Carousel Tea, a unique event that offers an afternoon full of fun activities and entertainment for kids and their families. Ideally suited for girls and boys ages 3 - 10, the party offers a chance for kids to get dressed up and to enjoy a day outside in the fresh air. The event features a tea party with delicious treats, music and activities – and carousel rides!
JOSHUA FRANZOS
JOSHUA FRANZOS
By Tim Gyves