Summer 2006 - The Voice

Schenley Plaza Schedule of Free Activities

Grand Opening June 8 - 11Grand Opening CeremonyRibbon cutting and First Ride ceremonies

Thursday, June 8: beginning at 8:15 a.m.

Zany Umbrella CircusExperience the circus on the Emerald LawnThursday, 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.

Carnegie Library Summer Reading ExtravaganzaSunday, June 11: Noon - 5 p.m.

Live MusicJazz, rock, reggae and more on the Plaza Oval

June 12 - October 14Weekdays, 11:45 a.m.- 1:15 p.m.Saturdays, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

It’s time to celebrate, and there’sgood reason to be striking up theband and handing out balloons in

Oakland these days. After months ofplanning and development,Oakland’s newest green space,Schenley Plaza, officially opens witha day of fun and festivities on June8. The new multifunctional Plazawill provide a welcome oasis of relaxation, recreation, food, and entertainment in place of a formerparking lot along Forbes Avenue thathad been described as “dreary” and“too much asphalt.”

“This really is the culmination of aremarkable project that has capturedthe imaginations of so many peoplewho envisioned a vibrant green spacein Oakland,” said PPC president MegCheever. “There are many who haveput a lot of time and talent into thiswonderful project, and we celebrateOakland’s, and Pittsburgh’s, future

through the launch of Schenley Plaza.The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy ishonored to have been selected asoperator of the Plaza going forward.”

The grand opening celebration kicksoff alongside the newly planted one-acre lawn with a ribbon cuttingceremony as Schenley Plaza is openedfully for public enjoyment. Pep bands,

stilt walkers, living statues, caricaturists and other entertainerswill be on hand to mark the occasion,and local crowd-pleasers the ZanyUmbrella Circus and the BetsyLawrence Jazz Trio offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

History will also be made as the firstrides

The VOICERestoring Pittsburgh’s Public Green Space • Frick, Highland, Riverview & Schenley Parks Summer 2006

pages 6 & 7

Hat Lunch PreviewsSchenley Plaza

page 3

What’s happening inthe parks this summer

Frick Park GatewayProject Underway

page 8

Volunteers Hard atWork in Parks

page 5

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SEE GRAND OPENING, PAGE 3

Free rides on the PNC carousel will be offered June 8 - 11 at Schenley Plaza.

Come to Schenley Plaza’s Grand OpeningJune 8 - 11By Stephan Bontrager

SEE PLAZA EVENTS, PAGE 7

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy turns10 years old this December, and can beproud of having raised over $27 million

for the cause of parks restoration since ourfounding in 1996. I hope you’ve personallyexperienced how our capital and ecologicalimprovements have made your parks healthierand more enjoyable:• Frick Park Reynolds Street GatehouseEntrance• Schenley Park Visitor Center • Creation of the Babbling Brook in HighlandPark

• Highland Park Entryway Restoration• Ecological Revitalization of Phipps Run in Panther Hollow, SchenleyPark• Riverview Park Chapel Shelter Restoration (underway)• Schenley Plaza (operated by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy)

In addition to these projects, our public education programs continueto help us nurture the next generation of park stewards. The LandscapeExploration Project has taught hundreds of middle-school students thevalue of our urban park landscapes, and this summer another group ofPittsburgh educators will earn Act 48 credits through the PittsburghEnvironmental Teaching Institute which has evolved into a 6-way partnership of environmental organizations and has encouraged over 100teachers of thousands of students to use parks as an extension of theclassroom.

Our dedicated community volunteers and Urban EcoStewards nowcontribute 10,000 ecological restoration hours to the parks annually,which are essential to our efforts to rehabilitate our deteriorated naturalareas 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 andwithout significant foundation, corporate and individual support. We areproud of our true collaboration with the city over the last ten years andof the positive difference we have made by working together for the

betterment of parks. We are optimistic that under the leadership ofMayor Bob O’Connor and his capable staff our successful public/privatepartnership will continue to thrive and reach even greater success. OnJune 8 the mayor will help us celebrate the grand opening of SchenleyPlaza, our seventh capital restoration project and the largest one to date.

The revitalization of Schenley Plaza, which was accomplished througha community partnership of many organizations including the ParksConservancy, tops an extraordinary list of achievements, and thus wethink it no coincidence that this fall we have been asked to provide afield tour of our projects in Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenleyparks for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s national confer-ence which will be held in Pittsburgh. This is a great compliment toPittsburgh parks.

Even though we have achieved so much in our few short years there isstill a tremendous amount that needs to be accomplished in the future tobring our parks to where we all want them to be. Erosion and stormwater management continue to be critical issues, especially for acity whose topography is as steep as ours. Park water bodies remaininhospitable 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 apark ranger program.And there is the question of money. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

receives no operational support from the city, the county or the RegionalAsset District. As we grow and attempt to take on bigger park challenges it becomes more of a challenge to raise every dollar of ouroperating support every year.

Now our public private partnership needs to plan for the next decadeof parks restoration work. To do this, we want to hear from you, ourpark supporters and park users.

Will you please let us know what you think?Write us a letter, email us at [email protected] or visit our new

website at www.pittsburghparks.org to give us your feedback.I look forward to hearing from you!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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Tell Us What You Think

PPC Welcomes New Development DirectorBy Amy Ripley

In February Roy Lenhardt joined thePittsburgh Parks Conservancy as Director ofDevelopment to oversee fundraising efforts,

including membership, special events, and otherdevelopment initiatives.

Lenhardt was previously director of develop-ment at the Audubon Society of WesternPennsylvania, and county department managerof the Bucks County Conservation District inPhiladelphia.

In addition to Lenhardt’s proven success innon-profit fundraising, PPC saw his long-stand-ing environmental background as a valuableasset 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 envi-ronmental related field,” he said. “I am one ofsix children and our summer vacations alwaysinvolved camping in Pennsylvania’s beautifulstate parks and that is where I developed a deepfondness for nature and conservation.”

“I am delighted to be working for the ParksConservancy and continuing my environmentalcareer that started many years ago in the parks.”

Lenhardt said he looks forward to building onthe solid groundwork that PPC has built inworking with PPC donors, foundation representatives, corporate and other non-profitleaders to develop a successful track record inrestoring our city’s parks.

“PPC has done a tremendous job over the pastnine years of raising more than $27 million infunds that has been put back into the four greatcity parks. Working closely with the City ofPittsburgh, our regional foundations and thegenerous people of southwestern Pennsylvania,this organization has been able to accomplish atremendous amount for the community in ashort period of time.”

Lenhardt received his Bachelor’s of Sciencedegree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental EngineeringStudies from the University of Pittsburgh.

He is also Board President for the RachelCarson Homestead Association and a memberof several local environmental and outdoor-related organizations, as well as the NationalRecreation and Parks Association.

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Letters To The EditorWe want your feedback. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy welcomes let-ters to the editor. Letters may be edited. All submissions become the prop-erty of the PPC. Please send them to: The Voice, 2000 Technology Drive,Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Hats Off to PPCPhotos by: Chelsea Bodamer

Impression of Schenley PlazaI am sure impressed not only with Schenley Plaza and the handsome front entrance itmakes for Schenley Park, but also with how it has drawn together and improved theeffect of all the buildings around it.Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr.President, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation

Supporting PPC through Brick CampaignThe Schenley Farms Garden Club, along with the Schenley Farms Civic Association andour neighbors, are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Schenley Farms neighbor-hood and thought what better way to do this than to support the work of the PittsburghParks Conservancy and its project “Buy a Schenley Plaza Brick” campaign.Betty S. DuquesnoySchenley Farms Garden Club

Entry Gardens in Highland ParkThank you for the post card of restored Highland Park. It’s quite impressive. You’vedone a wonderful job. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’...Jody RosenbergEast End

The eighth annual Pittsburgh ParksConservancy’s Spring Hat Luncheonwas an event not to be missed.

Hundreds of park friends came out to thenewly renovated Schenley Plaza dressed tothe nines to support parks restoration, themission of the Parks Conservancy. Color waseverywhere - bright orange, fuschia, limegreen, and blue decorated the tables andflowers, and adorned the nearly 780 guests inattendance.

GRAND OPENING, FROM PAGE 1

are given on the new PNC children’s carousel, which will run in thePlaza from May through October.

The launch of Schenley Plaza alsomarks the arrival of four specialty foodkiosks along the Plaza promenade. TheDog House will offer gourmet hot dogsand bratwurst, while Schenley PizzaCompany serves up Italian fare such aspizza, pasta, and salads; Asia Tea Houseoffers fresh sushi as well as fried rice,egg rolls and other dishes to tempt thetastebuds while The Bagel Factory willbe the go-to destination for bagel sandwiches, breakfast bagels, pastries,hot coffee and more. It is expected that afull-service restaurant with indoor andoutdoor dining will open in the Plaza in2007.

Other features of the Plaza includemoveable chairs and café tables, freewireless Internet, 24-hour security and afull schedule of entertainment throughout the year.

But what some Oakland users are looking forward to most is SchenleyPlaza’s open space. “It’s going to be agreat place to catch some sun and relax,”said Michael Kostiew, a law student whoworks and walks through Oakland on aregular basis. “You couldn’t really enjoythe parking lot that used to be there.Now there’s a lot of green grass, and thewhole space just feels better.”

For more information on SchenleyPlaza opening ceremony events, contactthe PPC offices at 412-682-7275.

Zany Umbrella Circus will be performing at the Plazathrough the month of June. Visit PPC’s website at www.pittsburghparks.org or the Zany Umbrella Circuswebsite, www.zanyumbrella.com for dates and times.

Beth Ann Fuhrer in a colorfull red hat, joinednearly 780 park friends in Schenley Plaza for teheigth annual Spring Hat Luncheon.

Committee co-chairs (left to right) Ranny Ferguson, Lynn Davenport, Helene Blodgett, and Nadine Bognar.

Interview with Mayor Bob O’ConnorIn January of this year, Bob O’Connor was elected Mayor of Pittsburgh. Mayor O’Connor’s focusis on increasing neighborhood and downtown development, job growth, and improving servicedelivery. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is pleased to work with Mayor O’Connor and thenew 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 HatLuncheon on May 6th to show his support. We had a chance to sit down with the Mayor andask him about his view on parks.

How will the newly restored Schenley Plaza affect our region?

I think it will transform Oakland. It definitely compliments and adds to the community, and Ithink it will become a very desirable destination. With its natural beauty, carousel and foodkiosks, I can see it turning into a gathering place for the locals and an attraction for visitors.

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.

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 citiesthroughout the world.

What is your favorite city park and why?That’s like asking a parent which child is the favorite. My favorite citypark is the one I’m in. Each park, like each Pittsburgher, has its ownunique character and charm.

Highland Park Section of City-Wide Trail Nearly CompleteBy Marianne Fadden

In cooperation with thePittsburgh ParksConservancy (PPC),

the City of Pittsburgh hasnearly completed a trailsection in Highland Parkthat will link with a city-wide trail loop for pedestrians and bikers.

The new trail will runalong WashingtonBoulevard into EastLiberty on a scenic routeincluding vernal ponds,which are also under construction in the park.

According to AlKovasic, 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 tothe area’s origins. A series of light sustainable seasonable pools, knownas vernal ponds, will help naturally clean storm water and provide greateraesthetic appeal.

The site will be sewn with meadowland dry and wet seed mixes thatwill attract a variety of wildlife – from water birds to turkeys, raccoons,coyotes and bats. As a result, more animal and plant biodiversity willoccur.

With proper water flow re-established and increased biodiversity, lessmaintenance 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 ofthe Regional Parks Master Plan, is to reconnect regional parks – namelySchenley, Highland, and Frick – to riverfronts and neighborhoods, whilesimultaneously serving ecological goals and recreational needs,” saidMary Beth Steisslinger of the PPC.

The Regional Parks Master Plan, devised in 2000 by the PPC, City ofPittsburgh and the public, calls for a cohesive restoration of the city’s historic park infrastructure and recreational areas while linking trailsacross the city’s neighborhoods.

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The new Highland Park trail along WashingtonBlvd. is another link in Pittsburgh’s “EmeraldNecklace,”where pedestirans and bikers can travela loop throughout the regional parks, neightbor-hoods and riverfronts.

Newly elected Mayor Bob O’Connor with PPCPresident & CEO, Meg Cheever at the SpringHat Luncheon on May 6.

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Invasive plants are choking out the biodiversity of our natural areas – even inour own back yards. These invasive, non-native plants are not part of our origi-nal habitat, but were introduced from other countries, often for gardens andlandscaping. With few or no natural enemies, you can now see these plants tak-ing over entire landscapes like roadsides, disturbed woodlands and our parks.

Help us fight the battle! Learn to recognize and control invasive species byreading this column and by picking up Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic NaturalAreas at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. ($4.00, published by the NationalPark Service and U.S. Fish and WildlifeService)

This edition: Japanese HoneysuckleCommon name: Japanese honeysuckleScientific name: Lonicera japonicaOrigin: 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 vinethat climbs by twisting itsstems around vertical structures, including limbs andtrunks of shrubs and smalltrees. Leaves are oblong tooval, sometimes lobed, haveshort stalks, and occur in pairsalong the stem. In southern and mid-Atlanticstates, Japanese honeysuckle often remains evergreen – its leaves remain attached through thewinter. Flowers are tubular, with five fused petals,white to pink, turning yellow with age, very fragrant, and occur in pairs along the stem at leafjunctures. Stems and leaves are sometimes covered with fine, soft hairs. Japanese honeysuckle blooms from late April throughJuly 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 plantspecies by twisting their vines tightly around stems and trunks, cutting off the flowof water through the plant. Dense growths of honeysuckle covering vegetation cangradually kill plants by blocking sunlight from reaching their leaves.

BIOLOGY & SPREAD: Growth and spread of Japanese honeysuckle is throughplant growth and seed. It produces long veins that develop roots where stem andleaf junctions come in contact with moist soil. Underground stems help to establishand spread the plant locally. Long distance dispersal is by birds and other wildlifethat readily consume the fruits and defecate the seeds at various distances from theparent plant.

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: For small patches, repeated pulling of entire vinesand root systems may be effective. Hand pull seedlings and young plants when thesoil is moist, holding low on the stem to remove the whole plant along with itsroots. Monitor frequently and remove any new plants. Cut and remove twiningvines 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)

The restoration of the Riverview ParkChapel Shelter will begin this summer inconjunction with ecological and

landscape improvements surrounding the shelter, which have already begun. Thanks tofunding from the Allegheny Regional AssetDistrict, the City of Pittsburgh, thePennsylvania Department of Conservation andNatural Resources, the Eden Hall Foundation,the Pittsburgh Foundation, and the BuhlFoundation, 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 PittsburghParks Conservancy (PPC), the restoration ofthe Chapel Shelter is an exciting renovationthat will update the deteriorated picnic shelterand breathe new life into the wooded NorthSide park.

Restoration of the 4.5 acres surrounding theChapel Shelter is already under way. PhilGruszka, PPC Director of Park Managementand Maintenance Policies, has worked withCity Department of Public Works park crews toremove the dilapidated tennis courts and large

invasive Siberianelm trees that threatened the natural habitat.

With hundreds ofvolunteers, PPC hasplanted dozens ofnative species, stabilizing manysections of the trailthat connects theShelter to Snyder’sPoint. But more improvements are still tocome. Restoration plans include improving theparking lot, adding historically accurate outdoor lighting, restoring the historic iris andlilac beds, and building a stone terrace to overlook to the adjacent wooded hillside.

Very dramatic changes to the building willalso recreate the building’s historic charm. Theconstruction this summer will rebuild the historic dormers and steeple, redesign theperimeter porch with historic detail, update therestrooms, kitchen, and heating facilities, andimprove the handicap accessibility.

The Chapel Shelter, one of the original structures in the park, had long been a belovedpicnic pavilion for North Side residents. A fewyears ago, the shelter was boarded up andclosed to the public due to severe termite damage. It was slated to be torn down. PPC,the City, and the local community saved it fromdemise by making it a priority project of theRegional Parks Master Plan, published in 2001as a 20-year blueprint for parks restoration.

Showcase Project toBegin in RiverviewBy Jessica Todd

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Thank You, Volunteers!

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The natural areas of Pittsburgh’sparks are filled with some of thegreatest examples of grand old

over-story trees that provide shade andact as the lungs of the city. Howevermany of these trees are reaching the endof their lifespan.

“Our parks are filled with large matureand over-mature trees,” said PhilGruszka, director of parks managementand maintenance at the Pittsburgh ParksConservancy. “One-hundred years agothere was a lot of planting of new trees,but that severely decreased over the pastdecades. We’ve really had to work toaccelerate a replacement plan as our oldtrees are removed or cut down.”

The PPC has planted over 10,000 treesin all four regional parks to work to create the next generation of over-story

trees in the parks. Thousands of thesetrees have been planted as part of restoration efforts by volunteers and staff.Hundreds of the larger landscaped-sizedtrees have been planted in the culturalareas by PPC staff and the City parkcrews.Another challenge is monitoring the

trees that are coming up in our naturalareas. In many cases the new populationof trees are a monoculture of Norwaymaples, an invasive non-native threat toour native flora and fauna. The trees thatthe PPC has been planting in the parksare native trees such as the Surgar maple,Oak, Hickory, Red bud, Tulip poplar andothers. These trees are all part of theWestern Pennsylvanian ecosystem andprovide food and habitat for our nativefauna.

PPC Works to Develop Next Generation of TreesBy Alice Enz

Phil Gruszka, PPC’s Director of Park Management and MaintenancePolicies, explains the difference between native and invasive trees topark volunteers.

This spring more than 350 volunteers spent more than 1,300hours in the parks working to plant over 10,000 native foamflower and coral bells into the park, remove invasive garlic

mustard, and curb erosion. PPC staff and volunteers worked in thePanther Hollow watershed in Schenley, slopes along AlleghenyRiver in Highland, and at Snyder’s Point and the Chapel Shelter inRiverview.

Rendering of restored Riverview Chapel Shelter by Landmarks DesignAssociates.

Page 6 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

Meg CheeverPresident and CEO

Debbie BeckChief Financial Officer

Philip J. GruszkaDirector of ParkManagement and

Maintenance Policies

Roy E. LenhardtDevelopment Director

Jessica ToddDevelopment Coordinator

Amy Ripley Projects Coordinator

Mary Beth SteisslingerRestoration Coordinator

Beth BodamerAdministrative Assistant

Joyce CollierMembership Assistant

Gudrun WellsVolunteer Education

Coordinator

Liz StyleDocent Coordinator

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Staff

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300Pittsburgh, PA 15219412-682-PARK (7275)www.pittsburghparks.org

FR E E ACTIVITIES AR E AL L T H E RA G E TH I S SUMMER I N PITTSBURGH’S REGIONAL PARKS

For more information call (412) 255-2539 or visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks

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June 10 Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryJune 17 The Pink PantherJune 24 March of the Penguins

July 1 The Polar ExpressJuly 8 ZathuraJuly 15 Ice Age 2July 22 Robots July 29 Raiders of the Lost Ark

August 5 Yours, Mine and OursAugust 12 Cats and DogsAugust 19 HoodwinkedAugust 26 Nanny McPhee

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June 7 King KongJune 11 Nanny McPheeJune 14 Fun with Dick and JaneJune 18 Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryJune 21 War of the WorldsJune 25 The Pink PantherJune 28 E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

July 2 March of the PenguinsJuly 5 Fantastic FourJuly 9 Fever PitchJuly 12 The Polar Express July 16 ZathuraJuly 19 BewitchedJuly 23 Ice Age 2July 26 Top GunJuly 30 Gandhi

August 2 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire August 6 Raider of the Lost ArkAugust 9 The Legend of ZorroAugust 13 Yours, Mine and OursAugust 16 Walk the LineAugust 20 Cats and DogsAugust 23 Pride and PrejudiceAugust 27 Hoodwinked

Reservoir of Jazz

Stars at Riverview

Saturdays, June 3– August 277 – 8:30 p.m.

Riverview Park, Observatory Hill

Sundays, August 6- September 35 – 7 p.m.

Highland Park, Entry Gardens

Popular Highland ParkFarmers’ Market Remains at Zoo Lot for Now

RIVERVIEW PARKSaturdays, Observatory Hill

Wednesdays and Saturdays, Flagstaff Hill

CINEMA IN THE PARK

SCHENLEY PARK

Movies begin at 9 p.m.

The market willremain in thePittsburgh Zoo andPPG Aquarium parking lot at Butlerand Baker Steets atleast through August.It may move to a newlocation in futureyears.

Thursdays3:30 to 7:30

Now - mid-Nov

Stars at Riverview brings jazz to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings.For more information, visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks

This summer you can once again relax on the lawn at Highland Park tothe sounds of jazz performed by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians. For moreinformation, visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter Page 7

SUMMER I N PITTSBURGH’S REGIONAL PARKS

Sundays at 1 p.m. June 11 – October 29Schenley Plaza Oval

Tours include information on the history, sculpture and environ-ment of the park. Walks are free and open to the public.

See you in the park!Call 412-682-7275 for more information.

Learn the Story of Schenley PlazaSchenley Park History Walks

Join Us!If you love our parks,

become a member.

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 ofPittsburghers championing their parks!

Check One: o Benefactor Society $500 o Business Membership $250o Mary Schenley Circle $250 o Park Steward $100 o Park Friend $25

Name:

Address:

Telephone: email:

Make Check Payable to: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300Pittsburgh, PA 15219

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is a Pennsylvania non profit corporation. We will provide a disclosurestatement 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 ofState by calling toll free, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

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For more information call 412-682-7275

11sstt WWeeddnneessddaayyHighland Park Entry Garden

22nndd WWeeddnneessddaayyFrick Environmental Center

33rrdd WWeeddnneessddaayyRiverview Park main entrance

44tthh WWeeddnneessddaayySchenley Park Visitor Center

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers thesewalks, which rotate through the City’s fourRegional Parks – Schenley, Riverview, Highlandand Frick park. Join us and learn some of thetrails, plants and wildlife of our urban parks.

Sundays in the ParkSchenley Park Visitor Center

SundaysJuly 2 – October 15

12:30 – 3 p.m.

Live music under the tent on the Schenley Park VisitorCenter patio. Look for your schedule in the mail.

Schenley Park Caféat the Schenley Park Visitor Center

Café • Gifts • Free Wireless Internet • Event Rental

Open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Call for extended summer hours

101 Panther Hollow Road412-687-1800

Convenient parking at half-hour and hourly meters

History Walks in Schenley Plaza and ParkDocent-let walks beging at the Schenley Plaza Oval

Sundays, June 11 - October 29, 1:00 p.m.

Sunday Story TimeKids fun includes storytelling, balloons, and puppet shows

June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17: 1:00 p.m.

National Geographic Film SeriesLearn about creatures of the wild during this outdoor family filmseries.

Thursdays, July 13, 27 & August 10, 17 at sundown

Carousel HoursThe carousel will run June through October during regular parkhours.

PLAZA EVENTS, FROM PAGE 1

PPC Wins EnvironmentalAward of Exellence

Page 8 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy NewsletterNon-Profit Org.U S POSTAGE

P A I DPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO 4906

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded a Carnegie Science Center Award ofExcellence in the Environmental category for great achievement in creating and implementing environmentally sound parks management and maintenance policiesin collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh. PPC works closely with Departmentof Public Works leadership so that ongoing park work plans include maintenancetechniques that help make our parks more ecologically sustainable. As a result ofthis groundbreaking cooperation, Pittsburgh’s parks have become markedly moreattractive, healthy and enjoyable for recreation and leisure.

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Designs for Regent Square Gateway to Presented in Public MeetingBy Jeff Bergman

Two designs for Frick Park’s new RegentSquare Gateway in will be presented forpublic feedback on Saturday, June 10 at

the Center for Creative Play. The designshave been developed to rehabilitate and beautify the park entrance where dilapidatedparking lots, chain link fencing, and a decaying outfall culvert for the Nine Mile Runstream currently exist.

The new design will incorporate sustainablestormwater management and landscaping toclean and manage excess rain and snowmelt, aproblem that currently wreaks havoc on NineMile Run by eroding streambanks and flooding it with pollutants.

Marijke Hecht, executive director for Nine

Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA)said, “We envision a community space thatcleans rain water, beautifies the park entrance,and provides a welcoming space for visitors tothe park and to the many nearby businessesand non-profits.”

“The Gateway project has been a major focusof NMRWA since 2005, and the planningprocess has helped unify non-profits, municipalities, businesses, and communitymembers toward a common goal,” she said.

Cahill Associates, specialists in sustainablewatershed management, has been hired tohead up a veritable dream team of engineering, artistic, and design talent todevelop the Gateway. They have enlisted thehelp of two firms for the project - Rolf Sauer& Partners, a landscape architecture firm thathas worked on ecological restoration and siteplanning around the country, and AtelierDreiseitl, a German design firm founded bythe artist who helped create Berlin’s equivalentto Times Square, the Potsdamer Platz.

In January, Hecht and two NMRWA boardmembers joined the design team for a workshop in Uberlingen, Germany. “The session at the Atelier Dreiseitl studio was veryproductive and inspiring,” said Hecht. “I thinkthat the two options the design team presentsin June will be outstanding, and I’m lookingforward to hearing the public’s input.”

The Gateway design team developed a basicconcept for the site by facilitating a publicdesign session last December, where more

than 150 people participated.Pre-registration for the June 10 meeting is

encouraged by [email protected] more information about the Regent SquareGateway Project, visit www.ninemilerun.orgor call NMRWA at (412) 371-8779.

Gateway design community brainstorming session

Current Braddock Trail entrance to Frick Park, nearRegent Square. The Gateway project will create amore inviting entrance, including natural features tohelp prevent Nine Mile Run’s erosion problems.