We're pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Qureshi as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Previously serving as Chief Operating Officer, Catherine has 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, financial operations, and municipal government. Catherine's steady hand at the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic has been an extraordinary asset for the Parks Conservancy. 

Catherine Qureshi, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Catherine first joined the Conservancy in 2014 as Director of Finance and Administration. In 2015 she was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer and in 2020 to Chief Operating Officer. In all of those roles, she has managed the financial strategies for the Conservancy’s capital projects, including the completion of Frick Environmental Center, the ongoing Allegheny Commons restoration, improvements in Mellon Square park downtown, and Mellon Park in Shadyside/East Liberty, and many more.

Click here to learn more about Catherine!

happy birthday, schenley plaza

It's hard to believe that Schenley Plaza first brightened the heart of Oakland and became an urban oasis for all to enjoy 15 years ago. Making its debut on June 8, 2006, Schenley Plaza resulted from a community partnership that included the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Used as a parking lot for decades, the five-acre Schenley Plaza was restored to its intended use by the Parks Conservancy and its community partners in 2006. The Plaza features one acre of lawn with native plants, spacious seating areas, a tented structure, dining kiosks, and a full-service restaurant by Eat'n Park, The Porch at Schenley. The lawn is often occupied on beautiful sunny days by visitors who want to soak in nature in the middle of the bustling city while enjoying all that the Plaza offers.

Additionally, a Schenley Plaza highlight that's fun for people of all ages and abilities is the beloved PNC Carousel. The Carousel is one of the city's most cherished park attractions. The classically styled Carousel was recently renovated in 2020 with new safety and aesthetic improvements. These improvements include new brass plating, anti-slip deck surfacing, and fresh paint on the carved and brightly colored animals, which have given the merry-go-round its distinct nostalgic character since it was first erected in 2006.

Click here to learn more about how we're celebrating Schenley Plaza's milestone birthday!

celebrate juneteenth with the parks conservancy 

At the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, we believe in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization and park system. Together, we're working to create an organization and park spaces that truthfully reflect diversity and the characteristics of Pittsburgh's neighborhoods and communities, that support our mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and that lift up all who visit.

Join the Conservancy and ZeroFossil on Saturday, June 19 from 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. on the lawn at the Frick Environmental Center for our "Juneteenth Concert" celebration. This event is family-friendly, as well as free and open to the public.

Click here to register in advance!

give a park gift to your grad (and to dad!)

Did you know that the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers unique gifts for your recent (or soon to be recent) graduate? Give the gift that gives back! 

Shop our online gift guide for unique, meaningful gifts for your friends, family, and loved ones. When you purchase a gift for your loved ones through the Parks Conservancy, you're not only giving back to the places you love and are helping to care for your parks, but you're leaving a lasting legacy on Pittsburgh for your family, friends, and neighbors.

 Click here to select your special park gift!

P.S. Father's Day is on Sunday, June 20! Park gifts make the perfect present for your father or the fatherly figure in your life!

free programs return to your parks 

We're thrilled to announce an expanded lineup of free events throughout the summer and into the fall in Schenley Plaza and Allegheny Commons Park. All summer programs and events are free and open to the public. This year's lineup includes returning community favorites, such as "Dance & Be Fit with Roland Ford," as well as all-new programs, such as kickboxing and outdoor e-sports. 

Click here to explore all of the free programs that are coming to your parks this summer!

celebrating 25 years of park improvement projects 

As we celebrate 25 years of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, we're also highlighting various park improvement projects completed throughout our history. This month, we will honor one of our most memorable impactful projects to date: Mellon Square! 

Created in 1955 as the first public space built over a parking garage, Mellon Square is a Modernist masterpiece. The completely restored Mellon Square reopened in May 2014, offering a renewed urban oasis for workers, visitors, and residents, while supporting economic growth in the city's downtown core. Before beginning the restoration work, a maintenance fund was established to prevent the Square from falling back into disrepair.

Thank you to our partners at the City of Pittsburgh and to our generous supporters and volunteers for making projects like this possible!

Click here to learn more about how we're celebrating our 25th anniversary throughout 2021.

plan for your next park adventure

Whether it’s tossing a football, enjoying an evening stroll, or simply yearning to be one with nature, Pittsburgh is full of luscious green space that allows residents too easily connect with the outdoors. No matter what direction you head in, you’re bound to end up in one of the city’s fabulous park areas. So grab your picnic basket, lace up your running shoes or take your dog for a walk at these amazing parks in Pittsburgh!

Click here to learn more about exciting park activities, thanks to "Stuff-To-Do: Pittsburgh!"

explore our 2020 annual report  

During this season of renewal, we would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the generous supporters of the Parks Conservancy.

Annual contributions from our dedicated donors have allowed us to support the City of Pittsburgh's parks through capital improvement projects, horticulture and forestry care, ecological research, free youth and adult programming, and environmental education for the past 25 years.

We are pleased to share the Parks Conservancy's 2020 Annual Report, highlighting our accomplishments and commitment to restoring Pittsburgh's parks system to excellence.

Click here to view our 2020 annual report.

in the spotlight: parks conservancy interns   

The Parks Conservancy's amazing group of interns have a passion for parks and the outdoors! This semester's group of interns recently completed nature-based videos to enjoy from the comfort of your home. Select a video link below to get started!

From Slavery to Freedom Garden | Hiking for Beginners | Parks of the Past | Habitat Exploration

mellon park walled garden fountain restoration

We’re thrilled to announce that the Mellon Park Walled Garden Fountain project is nearly complete! The Parks Conservancy partnered with the City of Pittsburgh to restore this important historic asset and ensure reliable function. The project updated and modernized the internal and external plumbing and mechanical systems, restoring the fountain to a fully operational state with energy and water-efficient technologies. The sculptural fountain was completely restored, including a new structural foundation, new fountain lighting, and the cleaning and restoration of the stonework. Thank you to our partners at City Planning for working with us on this much-needed restoration project!

Click here to learn more about this project.