The VOICE Restoring Pittsburgh’s Public Green Space • Frick, Highland, Riverview & Schenley Parks
Volunteers Hard at Work in Parks
Summer 2006
Come to Schenley Plaza’s Grand Opening June 8 - 11
By Stephan Bontrager
t’s time to celebrate, and there’s good reason to be striking up the band and handing out balloons in Oakland these days. After months of planning and development, Oakland’s newest green space, Schenley Plaza, officially opens with a day of fun and festivities on June 8. The new multifunctional Plaza will provide a welcome oasis of relaxation, recreation, food, and entertainment in place of a former parking lot along Forbes Avenue that had been described as “dreary” and “too much asphalt.” “This really is the culmination of a remarkable project that has captured the imaginations of so many people who envisioned a vibrant green space in Oakland,” said PPC president Meg Cheever. “There are many who have put a lot of time and talent into this wonderful project, and we celebrate Oakland’s, and Pittsburgh’s, future
page 5 Frick Park Gateway Project Underway
page 8 What’s happening in the parks this summer
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Free rides on the PNC carousel will be offered June 8 - 11 at Schenley Plaza.
through the launch of Schenley Plaza. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is honored to have been selected as operator of the Plaza going forward.” The grand opening celebration kicks off alongside the newly planted one-acre lawn with a ribbon cutting ceremony as Schenley Plaza is opened fully for public enjoyment. Pep bands,
stilt walkers, living statues, caricaturists and other entertainers will be on hand to mark the occasion, and local crowd-pleasers the Zany Umbrella Circus and the Betsy Lawrence Jazz Trio offer entertainment for visitors of all ages. History will also be made as the first rides SEE GRAND OPENING, PAGE 3
Schenley Plaza Schedule of Free Activities Grand Opening June 8 - 11
Grand Opening Ceremony Ribbon cutting and First Ride ceremonies Thursday, June 8: beginning at 8:15 a.m.
pages 6 & 7
Zany Umbrella Circus Experience the circus on the Emerald Lawn
Hat Lunch Previews Schenley Plaza
Carnegie Library Summer Reading Extravaganza
Thursday, June 8: 10:30 a.m., Noon., 7 p.m. Friday, June 9: Noon, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10: 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11: 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 11: Noon - 5 p.m.
Live Music Jazz, rock, reggae and more on the Plaza Oval June 12 - October 14 Weekdays, 11:45 a.m.- 1:15 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
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SEE
PLAZA EVENTS, PAGE 7
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Tell Us What You Think
he Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy turns 10 years old this December, and can be proud of having raised over $27 million for the cause of parks restoration since our founding in 1996. I hope you’ve personally experienced how our capital and ecological improvements have made your parks healthier and more enjoyable: • Frick Park Reynolds Street Gatehouse Entrance • Schenley Park Visitor Center • Creation of the Babbling Brook in Highland Park • Highland Park Entryway Restoration • Ecological Revitalization of Phipps Run in Panther Hollow, Schenley Park • Riverview Park Chapel Shelter Restoration (underway) • Schenley Plaza (operated by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy) In addition to these projects, our public education programs continue to help us nurture the next generation of park stewards. The Landscape Exploration Project has taught hundreds of middle-school students the value of our urban park landscapes, and this summer another group of Pittsburgh educators will earn Act 48 credits through the Pittsburgh Environmental Teaching Institute which has evolved into a 6-way partnership of environmental organizations and has encouraged over 100 teachers of thousands of students to use parks as an extension of the classroom. Our dedicated community volunteers and Urban EcoStewards now contribute 10,000 ecological restoration hours to the parks annually, which are essential to our efforts to rehabilitate our deteriorated natural areas in these times of financial distress for the city. Yet this decade of monumental achievement would not have been possible without our hardworking partner, the City of Pittsburgh and without significant foundation, corporate and individual support. We are proud of our true collaboration with the city over the last ten years and of the positive difference we have made by working together for the
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betterment of parks. We are optimistic that under the leadership of Mayor Bob O’Connor and his capable staff our successful public/private partnership will continue to thrive and reach even greater success. On June 8 the mayor will help us celebrate the grand opening of Schenley Plaza, our seventh capital restoration project and the largest one to date. The revitalization of Schenley Plaza, which was accomplished through a community partnership of many organizations including the Parks Conservancy, tops an extraordinary list of achievements, and thus we think it no coincidence that this fall we have been asked to provide a field tour of our projects in Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s national conference which will be held in Pittsburgh. This is a great compliment to Pittsburgh parks. Even though we have achieved so much in our few short years there is still a tremendous amount that needs to be accomplished in the future to bring our parks to where we all want them to be. Erosion and stormwater management continue to be critical issues, especially for a city whose topography is as steep as ours. Park water bodies remain inhospitable to both visitors and wildlife because of poor water quality, pollution and low flow. Too many park trees are dying, and our invasive plant problem needs to be addressed. We need to develop a park ranger program. And there is the question of money. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy receives no operational support from the city, the county or the Regional Asset District. As we grow and attempt to take on bigger park challenges it becomes more of a challenge to raise every dollar of our operating support every year. Now our public private partnership needs to plan for the next decade of parks restoration work. To do this, we want to hear from you, our park supporters and park users. Will you please let us know what you think? Write us a letter, email us at info@pittsburghparks.org or visit our new website at www.pittsburghparks.org to give us your feedback. I look forward to hearing from you!
PPC Welcomes New Development Director By Amy Ripley
n February Roy Lenhardt joined the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as Director of Development to oversee fundraising efforts, including membership, special events, and other development initiatives. Lenhardt was previously director of development at the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, and county department manager of the Bucks County Conservation District in Philadelphia. In addition to Lenhardt’s proven success in non-profit fundraising, PPC saw his long-standing environmental background as a valuable asset for the organization’s mission. Furthermore, he had true love of parks. “From an early age, parks have always played a key role in my decision to work in the environmental related field,” he said. “I am one of six children and our summer vacations always involved camping in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state parks and that is where I developed a deep fondness for nature and conservation.” “I am delighted to be working for the Parks Conservancy and continuing my environmental career that started many years ago in the parks.”
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Lenhardt said he looks forward to building on the solid groundwork that PPC has built in working with PPC donors, foundation representatives, corporate and other non-profit leaders to develop a successful track record in restoring our city’s parks. “PPC has done a tremendous job over the past nine years of raising more than $27 million in funds that has been put back into the four great city parks. Working closely with the City of Pittsburgh, our regional foundations and the generous people of southwestern Pennsylvania, this organization has been able to accomplish a tremendous amount for the community in a short period of time.” Lenhardt received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also Board President for the Rachel Carson Homestead Association and a member of several local environmental and outdoorrelated organizations, as well as the National Recreation and Parks Association.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
Hats Off to PPC
GRAND OPENING, FROM PAGE 1 are given on the new PNC children’s carousel, which will run in the Plaza from May through October. The launch of Schenley Plaza also marks the arrival of four specialty food kiosks along the Plaza promenade. The Dog House will offer gourmet hot dogs and bratwurst, while Schenley Pizza Company serves up Italian fare such as pizza, pasta, and salads; Asia Tea House offers fresh sushi as well as fried rice, egg rolls and other dishes to tempt the tastebuds while The Bagel Factory will be the go-to destination for bagel sandwiches, breakfast bagels, pastries, hot coffee and more. It is expected that a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining will open in the Plaza in 2007. Other features of the Plaza include moveable chairs and café tables, free wireless Internet, 24-hour security and a full schedule of entertainment throughout the year. But what some Oakland users are looking forward to most is Schenley Plaza’s open space. “It’s going to be a great place to catch some sun and relax,” said Michael Kostiew, a law student who works and walks through Oakland on a regular basis. “You couldn’t really enjoy the parking lot that used to be there. Now there’s a lot of green grass, and the whole space just feels better.” For more information on Schenley Plaza opening ceremony events, contact the PPC offices at 412-682-7275.
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Photos by: Chelsea Bodamer
he eighth annual Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s Spring Hat Luncheon was an event not to be missed. Hundreds of park friends came out to the newly renovated Schenley Plaza dressed to the nines to support parks restoration, the mission of the Parks Conservancy. Color was everywhere - bright orange, fuschia, lime green, and blue decorated the tables and flowers, and adorned the nearly 780 guests in attendance.
T Beth Ann Fuhrer in a colorfull red hat, joined nearly 780 park friends in Schenley Plaza for teh eigth annual Spring Hat Luncheon.
Committee co-chairs (left to right) Ranny Ferguson, Lynn Davenport, Helene Blodgett, and Nadine Bognar.
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.
Impression of Schenley Plaza
I am sure impressed not only with Schenley Plaza and the handsome front entrance it makes for Schenley Park, but also with how it has drawn together and improved the effect of all the buildings around it. Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr. President, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation
Supporting PPC through Brick Campaign
The Schenley Farms Garden Club, along with the Schenley Farms Civic Association and our neighbors, are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Schenley Farms neighborhood and thought what better way to do this than to support the work of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and its project “Buy a Schenley Plaza Brick” campaign. Betty S. Duquesnoy Schenley Farms Garden Club
Zany Umbrella Circus will be performing at the Plaza through the month of June. Visit PPC’s website at www.pittsburghparks.org or the Zany Umbrella Circus website, www.zanyumbrella.com for dates and times.
Entry Gardens in Highland Park
Thank you for the post card of restored Highland Park. It’s quite impressive. You’ve done a wonderful job. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’... Jody Rosenberg East End
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
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Interview with Mayor Bob O’Connor
In January of this year, Bob O’Connor was elected Mayor of Pittsburgh. Mayor O’Connor’s focus is on increasing neighborhood and downtown development, job growth, and improving service delivery. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is pleased to work with Mayor O’Connor and the new administration to continue to revitalize and restore Pittsburgh’s four urban parks - Frick, Highland, Riverview, and Schenley. Mayor O’Connor attended PPC’s eighth annual Spring Hat Luncheon on May 6th to show his support. We had a chance to sit down with the Mayor and ask him about his view on parks. How will the newly restored Schenley Plaza affect our region?
What do you envision for Pittsburgh’s parks during your term as Mayor? Safer, cleaner and greener – I expect to add to the green space we already have.
Chelsea Bodamer
I think it will transform Oakland. It definitely compliments and adds to the community, and I think it will become a very desirable destination. With its natural beauty, carousel and food kiosks, I can see it turning into a gathering place for the locals and an attraction for visitors.
Newly elected Mayor Bob O’Connor with PPC President & CEO, Meg Cheever at the Spring Hat Luncheon on May 6.
What do fully restored parks mean for our region? Why are they important? They are central to the quality of life in Pittsburgh. Our parks are one of the natural amenities that make us unique among American cities and cities throughout the world.
The Invasive Advisor
What is your favorite city park and why? That’s like asking a parent which child is the favorite. My favorite city park is the one I’m in. Each park, like each Pittsburgher, has its own unique character and charm.
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.
Highland Park Section of City-Wide Trail Nearly Complete By Marianne Fadden
n cooperation with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC), the City of Pittsburgh has nearly completed a trail section in Highland Park that will link with a citywide trail loop for pedestrians and bikers. The new trail will run along Washington Boulevard into East The new Highland Park trail along Washington Liberty on a scenic route Blvd. is another link in Pittsburgh’s “Emerald including vernal ponds, Necklace,”where pedestirans and bikers can travel a loop throughout the regional parks, neightborwhich are also under construction in the park. hoods and riverfronts. According to Al Kovasic, project architect for the City, the site’s water flow will be redirected under the trails to create a well and meadow, a habitat true to the area’s origins. A series of light sustainable seasonable pools, known as vernal ponds, will help naturally clean storm water and provide greater aesthetic appeal. The site will be sewn with meadowland dry and wet seed mixes that will attract a variety of wildlife – from water birds to turkeys, raccoons, coyotes and bats. As a result, more animal and plant biodiversity will occur. With proper water flow re-established and increased biodiversity, less maintenance will be required by City parks crews. The site’s natural balance will be easier to maintain. These Highland Park projects achieve one more step in creating “symbolic wilderness” in the city. “The ultimate goal, originally born of the Regional Parks Master Plan, is to reconnect regional parks – namely Schenley, Highland, and Frick – to riverfronts and neighborhoods, while simultaneously serving ecological goals and recreational needs,” said Mary Beth Steisslinger of the PPC. The Regional Parks Master Plan, devised in 2000 by the PPC, City of Pittsburgh and the public, calls for a cohesive restoration of the city’s historic park infrastructure and recreational areas while linking trails across the city’s neighborhoods.
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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 WildlifeService)
This edition: Japanese Honeysuckle
Common name: Japanese honeysuckle Scientific name: Lonicera japonica Origin: Japan and Korea. It was brought over as an ornamental plant, for erosion control and for wildlife forage and cover. DESCRIPTION: Japanese honeysuckle is a perennial vine that climbs by twisting its stems around vertical structures, including limbs and trunks of shrubs and small trees. Leaves are oblong to oval, sometimes lobed, have short stalks, and occur in pairs along the stem. In southern and mid-Atlantic states, Japanese honeysuckle often remains evergreen – its leaves remain attached through the winter. Flowers are tubular, with five fused petals, white to pink, turning yellow with age, very fragrant, and occur in pairs along the stem at leaf junctures. Stems and leaves are sometimes covered with fine, soft hairs. Japanese honeysuckle blooms from late April through July and sometimes into October. Small black fruits are produced in autumn. ECOLOGICAL THREAT: In North America, Japanese honeysuckle has few natural enemies which allows it to spread widely and out-compete native plant species by twisting their vines tightly around stems and trunks, cutting off the flow of water through the plant. Dense growths of honeysuckle covering vegetation can gradually kill plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves. BIOLOGY & SPREAD: Growth and spread of Japanese honeysuckle is through plant growth and seed. It produces long veins that develop roots where stem and leaf junctions come in contact with moist soil. Underground stems help to establish and spread the plant locally. Long distance dispersal is by birds and other wildlife that readily consume the fruits and defecate the seeds at various distances from the parent plant. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: For small patches, repeated pulling of entire vines and root systems may be effective. Hand pull seedlings and young plants when the soil is moist, holding low on the stem to remove the whole plant along with its roots. Monitor frequently and remove any new plants. Cut and remove twining vines to prevent them from girdling and killing shrubs and other plants. SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE PLANTS: Vines that make good substitutes for Japanese honeysuckle include trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), and others. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Wild stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Hedge bindweed or wild morning-glory (Calystegia sepium)
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
PPC Works to Develop Next Generation of Trees By Alice Enz
he natural areas of Pittsburgh’s parks are filled with some of the greatest examples of grand old over-story trees that provide shade and act as the lungs of the city. However many of these trees are reaching the end of their lifespan. “Our parks are filled with large mature and over-mature trees,” said Phil Gruszka, director of parks management and maintenance at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “One-hundred years ago there was a lot of planting of new trees, but that severely decreased over the past decades. We’ve really had to work to accelerate a replacement plan as our old trees are removed or cut down.” The PPC has planted over 10,000 trees in all four regional parks to work to create the next generation of over-story
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Showcase Project to Begin in Riverview
trees in the parks. Thousands of these trees have been planted as part of restoration efforts by volunteers and staff. Hundreds of the larger landscaped-sized trees have been planted in the cultural areas by PPC staff and the City park crews. Another challenge is monitoring the trees that are coming up in our natural areas. In many cases the new population of trees are a monoculture of Norway maples, an invasive non-native threat to our native flora and fauna. The trees that the PPC has been planting in the parks are native trees such as the Surgar maple, Oak, Hickory, Red bud, Tulip poplar and others. These trees are all part of the Western Pennsylvanian ecosystem and provide food and habitat for our native fauna.
Phil Gruszka, PPC’s Director of Park Management and Maintenance Policies, explains the difference between native and invasive trees to park volunteers.
By Jessica Todd
Thank You, Volunteers! his spring more than 350 volunteers spent more than 1,300 hours in the parks working to plant over 10,000 native foam flower and coral bells into the park, remove invasive garlic mustard, and curb erosion. PPC staff and volunteers worked in the Panther Hollow watershed in Schenley, slopes along Allegheny River in Highland, and at Snyder’s Point and the Chapel Shelter in Riverview.
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he restoration of the Riverview Park Chapel Shelter will begin this summer in conjunction with ecological and landscape improvements surrounding the shelter, which have already begun. Thanks to funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the City of Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Eden Hall Foundation, the Pittsburgh Foundation, and the Buhl Foundation, the restoration of the building will begin late May or early June. As the first major showcase project in Riverview Park by the City and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC), the restoration of the Chapel Shelter is an exciting renovation that will update the deteriorated picnic shelter and breathe new life into the wooded North Side park. Restoration of the 4.5 acres surrounding the Chapel Shelter is already under way. Phil Gruszka, PPC Director of Park Management and Maintenance Policies, has worked with City Department of Public Works park crews to remove the dilapidated tennis courts and large
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invasive Siberian elm trees that threatened the natural habitat. With hundreds of volunteers, PPC has planted dozens of native species, stabilizing many sections of the trail that connects the Shelter to Snyder’s Point. But more improvements are still to come. Restoration plans include improving the parking lot, adding historically accurate outdoor lighting, restoring the historic iris and lilac beds, and building a stone terrace to overlook to the adjacent wooded hillside. Very dramatic changes to the building will also recreate the building’s historic charm. The construction this summer will rebuild the historic dormers and steeple, redesign the perimeter porch with historic detail, update the restrooms, kitchen, and heating facilities, and improve the handicap accessibility.
Mary Jane Bent
Rendering of restored Riverview Chapel Shelter by Landmarks Design Associates.
The Chapel Shelter, one of the original structures in the park, had long been a beloved picnic pavilion for North Side residents. A few years ago, the shelter was boarded up and closed to the public due to severe termite damage. It was slated to be torn down. PPC, the City, and the local community saved it from demise by making it a priority project of the Regional Parks Master Plan, published in 2001 as a 20-year blueprint for parks restoration.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
F REE A CTIVITIES A R E A L L THE R AGE T HIS
Popular Highland Park Farmers’ Market Remains at Zoo Lot for Now
CINEMA IN THE PARK Movies begin at 9 p.m.
SCHENLEY PARK
Stars at Riverview Stars at Riverview brings jazz to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings.
For more information, visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks Saturdays, June 3– August 27 7 – 8:30 p.m. Riverview Park, Observatory Hill
Reservoir of Jazz This summer you can once again relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of jazz performed by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians. For more
JULY
Thursdays 3:30 to 7:30 Now - mid-Nov
AUGUST
The market will remain in the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium parking lot at Butler and Baker Steets at least through August. It may move to a new location in future years.
JUNE
Wednesdays and Saturdays, Flagstaff Hill June 7 June 11 June 14 June 18 June 21 June 25 June 28
King Kong Nanny McPhee Fun with Dick and Jane Charlie and the Chocolate Factory War of the Worlds The Pink Panther E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
July 2 July 5 July 9 July 12 July 16 July 19 July 23 July 26 July 30
March of the Penguins Fantastic Four Fever Pitch The Polar Express Zathura Bewitched Ice Age 2 Top Gun Gandhi
August 2 August 6 August 9 August 13 August 16 August 20 August 23 August 27
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Raider of the Lost Ark The Legend of Zorro Yours, Mine and Ours Walk the Line Cats and Dogs Pride and Prejudice Hoodwinked
information, visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks Sundays, August 6- September 3 5 – 7 p.m.
RIVERVIEW PARK
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Staff Meg Cheever President and CEO
Amy Ripley Projects Coordinator
Debbie Beck Chief Financial Officer
Mary Beth Steisslinger Restoration Coordinator
Philip J. Gruszka Director of Park Management and Maintenance Policies
Beth Bodamer Administrative Assistant
Roy E. Lenhardt Development Director Jessica Todd Development Coordinator
Joyce Collier Membership Assistant Gudrun Wells Volunteer Education Coordinator
Liz Style Docent Coordinator Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-682-PARK (7275) www.pittsburghparks.org
AUGUST JULY JUNE
Highland Park, Entry Gardens
Saturdays, Observatory Hill June 10 June 17 June 24
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Pink Panther March of the Penguins
July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29
The Polar Express Zathura Ice Age 2 Robots Raiders of the Lost Ark
August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26
Yours, Mine and Ours Cats and Dogs Hoodwinked Nanny McPhee
For more information call (412) 255-2539 or visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
S UMMER I N P ITTSBURGH’ S R EGIONAL P ARKS PLAZA EVENTS, FROM PAGE 1
History Walks in Schenley Plaza and Park Docent-let walks beging at the Schenley Plaza Oval Sundays, June 11 - October 29, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday Story Time Kids fun includes storytelling, balloons, and puppet shows June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17: 1:00 p.m.
National Geographic Film Series Learn about creatures of the wild during this outdoor family film series. Thursdays, July 13, 27 & August 10, 17 at sundown
Carousel Hours The carousel will run June through October during regular park hours.
Learn the Story of Schenley Plaza Schenley Park History Walks
Sundays in the Park Schenley Park Visitor Center Sundays July 2 – October 15 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Live music under the tent on the Schenley Park Visitor Center patio. Look for your schedule in the mail.
Schenley Park Café
Sundays at 1 p.m. June 11 – October 29 Schenley Plaza Oval
Café • Gifts • Free Wireless Internet • Event Rental
Tours include information on the history, sculpture and environment of the park. Walks are free and open to the public. See you in the park! Call 412-682-7275 for more information.
Open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call for extended summer hours 101 Panther Hollow Road 412-687-1800
at the Schenley Park Visitor Center
Convenient parking at half-hour and hourly meters
WEEKLY WALKS IN THE WOODS
Join Us!
Thru October
Every Wednesday
If you love our parks, become a member.
6:30 to 8 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers these walks, which rotate through the City’s four Regional Parks – Schenley, Riverview, Highland and Frick park. Join us and learn some of the trails, plants and wildlife of our urban parks.
Yes! Sign me up as a contributor to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. I look forward to receiving your newsletter and adding my voice to the chorus of Pittsburghers championing their parks!
Check One: o Benefactor Society $500
o Mary Schenley Circle $250 o Park Steward $100 o Park Friend $25
1st Wednesday
Highland Park Entry Garden
2nd Wednesday
Frick Environmental Center
o Business Membership $250
Name:
3rd Wednesday
Address:
4th Wednesday
Telephone:
Riverview Park main entrance Schenley Park Visitor Center
Free and open to the public
For more information call 412-682-7275
email:
Make Check Payable to: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is a Pennsylvania non profit corporation. We will provide a disclosure statement and substantiation of donation form for your donation. A copy of the official registration and financial information for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
Non-Profit Org. U S POSTAGE
P A I D PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO 4906
Photo by terryclark.com
PPC Wins Environmental Award of Exellence
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded a Carnegie Science Center Award of Excellence in the Environmental category for great achievement in creating and implementing environmentally sound parks management and maintenance policies in collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh. PPC works closely with Department of Public Works leadership so that ongoing park work plans include maintenance techniques that help make our parks more ecologically sustainable. As a result of this groundbreaking cooperation, Pittsburgh’s parks have become markedly more attractive, healthy and enjoyable for recreation and leisure.
Designs for Regent Square Gateway to Presented in Public Meeting By Jeff Bergman
Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA) said, “We envision a community space that cleans rain water, beautifies the park entrance, and provides a welcoming space for visitors to the park and to the many nearby businesses and non-profits.” “The Gateway project has been a major focus of NMRWA since 2005, and the planning process has helped unify non-profits, municipalities, businesses, and community members toward a common goal,” she said. Cahill Associates, specialists in sustainable watershed management, has been hired to Current Braddock Trail entrance to Frick Park, near head up a veritable dream team of Regent Square. The Gateway project will create a more inviting entrance, including natural features to engineering, artistic, and design talent to develop the Gateway. They have enlisted the help prevent Nine Mile Run’s erosion problems. help of two firms for the project - Rolf Sauer & Partners, a landscape architecture firm that has worked on ecological restoration and site wo designs for Frick Park’s new Regent planning around the country, and Atelier Square Gateway in will be presented for Dreiseitl, a German design firm founded by public feedback on Saturday, June 10 at the artist who helped create Berlin’s equivalent the Center for Creative Play. The designs to Times Square, the Potsdamer Platz. have been developed to rehabilitate and In January, Hecht and two NMRWA board beautify the park entrance where dilapidated members joined the design team for a parking lots, chain link fencing, and a workshop in Uberlingen, Germany. “The decaying outfall culvert for the Nine Mile Run session at the Atelier Dreiseitl studio was very stream currently exist. productive and inspiring,” said Hecht. “I think The new design will incorporate sustainable that the two options the design team presents stormwater management and landscaping to in June will be outstanding, and I’m looking clean and manage excess rain and snowmelt, a forward to hearing the public’s input.” problem that currently wreaks havoc on Nine The Gateway design team developed a basic Mile Run by eroding streambanks and concept for the site by facilitating a public flooding it with pollutants. design session last December, where more Marijke Hecht, executive director for Nine
than 150 people participated. Pre-registration for the June 10 meeting is encouraged by emailing info@ninemilerun.org. For more information about the Regent Square Gateway Project, visit www.ninemilerun.org or call NMRWA at (412) 371-8779.
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Gateway design community brainstorming session