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we're thankful for you. We have so much to be thankful for at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as we near the end of 2020, but most of all, we're thankful for you. This year has been unlike anything we've ever experienced. However, what we've learned during this unprecedented time of quarantines, public masking, and months of home schooling is that public parks and green spaces have never been more important for our physical and mental well-being. Parks and green spaces mean so much to so many. And in Pittsburgh, we're fortunate to have 165 park sites available. From September 6 through October 18, local park use increased by 103% over baseline! Take advantage of these cherished spaces, enjoy a breath of fresh air, and continue leaning on your parks year-round.
Remember, there are so many ways for your to explore your parks through the seasons!
We believe in the power of parks and that they are the beating heart of every Pittsburgh neighborhood. Although our lives have changed in many ways throughout the past few months, we hope you know that we are so thankful for your ongoing support. Never forget, your parks are here for you. |
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addressing environmental education racial bias The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy announced that it has launched the River Cities Environmental Education (EE) Learning Community, a joint professional development venture to address racial biases and structural racism that exist in environmental education. The Parks Conservancy is leading the effort in partnership with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the National Park Service, and Grow Pittsburgh. The goal of the River Cities EE Learning Community is to create a regional community of learners among outdoor environmental educators that supports all teaching staff — from directors to early-career and seasonal instructors — in better meeting the needs of diverse learners, especially those with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The community, which brings together environmental education practitioners from both the Pittsburgh and Cleveland-Akron areas, will create, implement, and document cross-training across a suite of approaches while drawing on the lived experience of leaders and educators of color. “The exchanges within this community of learners will be explicit in recognizing the biases and structural racism that exist in environmental education, as well as the impact that these issues have on the students we interact with,” says Camila Rivera-Tinsley, director of education, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “We look forward to learning, together, to teach the whole child in a way that protects both learners and the environment.” |
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emerald view park memories Emerald View Park is one of Pittsburgh's most iconic parks! Do you have a cherished memory of Emerald View Park that you'd like to share? Click here to share your personal story! Don't forget to take park in public workshops for the Emerald View Park Master Plan! The public is invited to a series of workshops on November 9, 10, and 12 that will focus on specific areas within the park. The Merritt Chase team will provide a breif project overview, some more area-specific analysis, and then dive into a more in-depth discussion about the needs and desires of each area. Regist on the EngagePGH website by clicking here! |
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from slavery to freedom film series Join our friends at the Heinz History Center for a screening of “Dark Girls” on Nov. 18, as part of the 2020 From Slavery to Freedom Film Series presented by the African American Program of the Heinz History Center. Dr. Huberta Jackson-Lowman will discuss the film and place into cultural and psychological context the impact of colorism on women of African descent. “Dark Girls” is a Bill Duke directed film that discusses the controversy of race and color in the African Diaspora and how it impacts dark skinned African American females. It further explores the roots of classism, racism, and the lack of self-esteem in the African Diaspora and especially in the U.S. Click here to learn more. |
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north promenade virtual tour SAVE THE DATE for an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Allegheny Commons North Promenade project with Councilman Wilson and Parks Conservancy Capital Projects Manager, Brandon Riley on Friday, November 20 at 10:00 A.M. live on the Parks Conservancy's Facebook page! |
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remember to #loveyourparks "During these past several months in this pandemic era, our city parks mean more to me than ever. As a park volunteer, I chose to be responsible and stay close to home for hiking, lessening my impact on rural areas. Schenley Park is only a five-minute walk from my home in Greenfield. It’s easily accessible and since I know it so well, I’m able to go to some lesser-known areas of the park and have alone time. Long walks/hikes help me clear my mind; just being in the park and walking gives me a sense of normalcy. All of the animals, birds, and frogs in the park are going about their lives as usual. I love bird watching, not only because birds are fascinating, but they take my mind off of the weight of the world. It reminds me that beautiful things are still happening all around us. My husband and I go to Panther Hollow Lake a few evenings a week to just sit, watch and listen to the frogs. We also enjoy going up to the Oval, laying out a blanket, and watching the sunset behind downtown. We are so thankful for our parks which allow us to enjoy so much beauty in life while still being safe." - Julie Reinhart, Park Champion |
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the story of august wilson park Perched on the northern edge of Pittsburgh's Hill District, August Wilson Park provides a unique view of the city. Before 2009, the status of August Wilson Park (formerly Cliffside Park) could have been described as lost but not forgotten. Special thanks to our friends at WQED for sharing the story of August Wilson Park. Click here to learn more about this beloved park! |
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then and now: westinghouse memorial Parks and green spaces are essential parts of the lives of all Pittsburghers. Throughout the past several months, we’ve recognized the importance of parks in helping the community cope and heal during the crisis. This has allowed us to reflect upon our long-standing partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and the work we have accomplished together to restore Pittsburgh's park system to excellence. Read below to learn more about the Westinghouse Memorial, one of the many restoration projects of the City of Pittsburgh and Parks Conservancy. One of our most memorable projects to date is the Westinghouse Memorial, one of the many restoration projects of the City of Pittsburgh and Parks Conservancy. The fully restored memorial includes a reestablished lily pond, renewed memorial sculpture, native plant landscape, new nighttime lighting, and stormwater management. The Parks Conservancy is honored to work alongside the City of Pittsburgh, local community members, and to have friends like you to support our neighborhood and park improvement projects year-round! Learn more about our current and past park improvement projects. |
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corporate volunteer superheroes We're feeling extra thankful for our volunteer superheroes! We're so grateful to the following groups that volunteered in your parks during the month of October: Boston Consulting Group Duquesne Light Company Duquesne University Stantec Urish Popeck Westinghouse SURE Are you interested in hosting a group volunteer day in your parks? Learn more here! |
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