By: Grace Cooper Besides being a beautiful city, Pittsburgh has some lovely parks maintained for us by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. So, as we make our way into spring, let’s take advantage of the beautiful recreation areas our city has to offer! Emerald View Park April 2015 Emerald View HikeEmerald View Park is the place to get a good view of Pittsburgh. The 257-acre park is actually a combination of three older parks on Mount Washington, Grandview, and Olympia. The wooded hillsides are perfect for hiking, biking, walking—whatever suits your mood. There’s also an off-leash dog park, playgrounds, a sports field, and a swimming pool!
Highland Park February 2016 Soup Hike at Highland ParkThis park’s claim to fame is the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. In the middle of Highland Park is a reservoir that filters drinking water for the city. To access the path surrounding the reservoir, called the “Reservoir Loop,” park-goers must first go through the Victorian-style entry garden. Whether you go for the gardens or the volleyball courts, Highland Park is not to be missed.
Frick Park February 2017 Hot Apple Cider Hike at Frick ParkAt 644 acres, Frick Park is the largest, but also the youngest, park in Pittsburgh. That said, this park has pretty much anything you could want, from tennis courts and baseball fields to hiking trails and birding opportunities. Frick Park also has an environmental center for educating people of all ages about the nature around them.
Riverview Park September 2016 Fall Goodies Hike at Riverview ParkLocated on the North Side, Riverview Park is probably one of Pittsburgh’s hilliest parks. The steep slopes are perfect for ambitious runners, hikers, and even horseback riders. Another highlight of the park is The Chapel Shelter, a Presbyterian church turned picnic area. The Allegheny Observatory is located in Riverview Park and open for tours in the warmer months. Stargazing from the hills or through a telescope, Riverview Park is an experience unlike any other.
Schenley Park March 2017 Sunday Afternoon Stroll at Schenley ParkHome to the beautiful Phipps Conservatory, Schenley Park is a can’t miss on the list of Pittsburgh parks. Situated in Oakland, the park is easily accessible to university students and professional workers alike. From Flagstaff Hill to Panther Hollow, there are plenty of places to sit and soak up the sun or admire the view of the Cathedral of Learning. And, don’t let the seasons limit you from enjoying the park’s ice skating rink in the winter!
Mellon Park March 2017 Geocaching at Mellon ParkMellon Park is known for its famous Walled Garden that was commissioned by the owner of the land, Richard Beatty Mellon, in the 1920s. Also located on the park grounds are the Pittsburgh Center for Performing Arts and the Phipps Garden Center. A short walk from the heart of Shadyside, Mellon Park is the perfect spot for a quick stroll or a picnic lunch on a lovely spring afternoon. August Wilson Park September 2016 Youth Outdoor Recreation Program at August Wilson ParkLocated on the edge of the Hill District, August Wilson Park was renovated in 2016 by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The newly finished park displays public art, quotes from August Wilson, and photographs. Combine this with beautiful views of the Allegheny River, and August Wilson Park is definitely a spot worth visiting. When you Venture Outdoors with us to one of these parks, you’ll get to learn some interesting facts that make each park unique. Join us outside today!
