Thanks to the enthusiastic support of our 2021 Picnic in Your Park event, presented by PNC, we are delighted to announce that this year’s event raised $487,000 for your parks! These funds go directly back to your parks, helping to support the important work of the Parks Conservancy in restoring the urban forest, launching dozens of free public programs this summer, and caring for your beloved park spaces.

Relive some of our most memorable moments by clicking here to enjoy a highlight video from Picnic in Your Park 2021!

 Weren't able to make it to this year's event? Click here to view the event photo gallery! 

join us for a northside community celebration

The time has come and we’re ready to celebrate! We're thrilled to announce that the first phase of the North Promenade Rehabilitation Project at Allegheny Commons is officially complete. Please join the Parks Conservancy and our partners at the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Commons Initiative, and the Northside Leadership Conference for a community celebration and dedication on Tuesday, July 20, beginning at 6:00P.M.

This free community event is open to the public and will include remarks from local leaders, live music, strolling performers, local food vendors, and activities for people of all ages.

The North Commons project recently rebuilt the wide Promenade path, furnishing it with benches, energy-efficient period lighting, and so much more! This project follows the award-winning reconstruction of the historic Northeast Fountain, a focal point of the Promenade. 

Click here to register in advance and receive event reminders leading up to the upcoming celebration!

We can't wait to see you there!

summer at the square returns 

After being closed during 2020 due to the pandemic, the Parks Conservancy is thrilled to bring Mellon Square Park back to life alongside Citizens and our partners at the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP).

New for 2021, a Mellon Square section has been transformed into an outdoor alfresco café in partnership with downtown Pittsburgh restaurants and the PDP. This includes bistro tables, chairs, string lights, planters, and more. Monthly happy hours and food specials will be offered to support local, downtown-based restaurants recovering from the pandemic.

Summer at the Square will offer activities, programs, and block parties in Mellon Square now through September 2021.

Click here to explore our full line-up of programming in Mellon Square and other nearby park sites!

coffee with catherine 

It's time for our first episode of "Coffee with Catherine!"

Meet Catherine Qureshi, the new President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy! Learn about Catherine's hopes for Pittsburgh's green spaces, her goals for the organization, and her favorite park activities in the first episode of this new series.

 Click here to enjoy the first episode!

free programs return to your parks 

Don't forget to join us for free programs in your parks! We have an expanded lineup of free events taking place throughout the summer and into the fall. All programs and events are free and open to the public. This year's lineup includes returning community favorites, such as Storytime and Dance & Be Fit with Roland Ford, as well as all-new programs, including kickboxing and outdoor e-sports. 

Click here to explore all of the free programs that are taking place in your parks!

forbes gatehouse restoration project update

Restoration work on the historic Forbes Avenue Gatehouse is officially complete! New slate tiles, carefully sourced to match the original slate tiles in color and appearance, were installed to restore the roof to its original design.

Extensive structural repairs were also made to the roof after a tree had fallen, creating a large hole in the top of the structure. With this work complete, this historic asset will now be around for decades to come.

Click here to learn more about this park improvement project.

412 x pittsburgh parks conservancy 

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Shop412 have announced a new partnership to celebrate the Parks Conservancy's 25th anniversary. The brand-new partnership kicks off with the launch of an apparel and accessories collection featuring graphics celebrating Pittsburgh's parks.

A portion of the proceeds from the collection will support the Conservancy's Campership Program, which provides scholarships for children from low-income families who wish to attend summer camp at the Frick Environmental Center.

Click here to explore the new collection! 

positively parks  

"On Sunday, I took my kids to the PNC Carousel at Schenley Plaza - it was my oldest daughter's 7th birthday. She wanted to sit in the spinny teacup on the carousel, but once the ride started, it was obvious that the teacup was not spinning. My daughter looked sad though didn't say anything. But still, the operator, Patricia, took notice. Patricia stopped the ride, informed everyone on it that she was letting my daughter get up to pick an animal to ride instead, and that everyone would get to stay on as she started the carousel up again. I really wanted to bring attention to Patricia and her excellent customer service - it may have been a very small gesture, but it really brightened up my daughter's day and birthday. We appreciate her commitment to bringing joy to your parks' youngest visitors!" - Adrienne, Pittsburgh

We 💚 hearing your park stories! Do you have a story to share? Email us at info@pittsburghparks.org!

join the #summerofplay!  

The Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative and Trying Together are partnering to educate communities on the importance of play through the #SummerofPlay initiative. After a long year of learning and living in a remote setting, it is time for kids to get back to being kids! Not only is play an excellent way for children to unwind and let out some energy, but it also leads to stress reduction as well as social and emotional development. Engaging in playful activities can be a great way to learn, socialize, and have some fun! 

You can participate in #SummerofPlay by sharing photos of your family and friends at play! Click here to learn more about this movement and how you can get involved.