Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

? Our first mini wellness retreat in Frick Park, Naturally Connected, was an unforgettable experience. We witnessed our community bonding in a genuine way, with open hearts, and open minds. Participants collectively healed through forest bathing, mindfulness meditation, creative workshops, and forging connections with nature, self and others. ?? Thank you to everyone who came and shared empathy and tea with us, our forest bathing guides on staff, Awaken Pittsburgh, Mana Meals Catering, Moonset and Co., Petra Floyd,?Melissa Sokulski, and the generous investment from the Staunton Farm Foundation, who made this day possible.?

? Get ready for a magical holiday experience like no other! ? Introducing Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square, a stunning light installation debuting on Light-Up Night on November 23. Created by Pittsburgh artist Joshua Challen Ice, Aurora transforms the heart of downtown into a glowing winter wonderland. ? This curated installation will feature hundreds of shimmering and responsive diamond panels floating overhead and changing color as you pass through. You'll be enchanted by this vibrant ribbon of color as you immerse yourself in the joy and splendor of the holiday season. The artist, a renowned sculptor boasting an impressive portfolio of sculpture and light-based installation art, brings his visionary spirit to Mellon Square for all to enjoy. ? But wait, there’s more! This season, Aurora will be accompanied by cozy heated igloos, a hot cocoa booth, live music, and whimsical "holi-sleighs." Whether you’re gazing from afar or stepping into the lights, this one-of-a-kind experience will leave you enchanted. ? Join us in celebrating the magic of the season, thanks the generous support of The Benter Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation, and our partners at Shiftworks, the City of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. ? Mark your calendars! Aurora runs through mid-January, and you won’t want to miss it. Visit: pittsburghparks.org/msq to plan your visit! Photos are provided via Joshua Challen Ice.

We're hiring! If you're interested in joining our dynamic team as our next Director of Finance, be sure to apply using the following link: https://lnkd.in/esK7yg7A

Volunteers from Pipitone did an incredible job of caring for Riverview Park this week! Their work collecting and processing native seeds such as common milkweed and northern sea oats for restoration sites and zinnia for garden beds, planting spring flowering bulbs and native perennials like great blue lobelia, cutleaf coneflower, joe-pye weed and swamp milkweed, and picking up trash, means you have access to beautiful, well-maintained parks all year long. We cherish our park partners and are also thankful for FedEx for their generous contribution of perennials and Pipitone for the bulbs that made this day possible. Go visit Riverview Park and see the beauty for yourself!

What a SPECTACULAR Riverview Park Day we had this past weekend! ???? Park lovers came out in full force to celebrate the park’s natural beauty with us. From live music to nature-inspired activities like insect hikes, mushroom walks, and learning about Pittsburgh’s mysterious moon tree – there was something for everyone! ?????? This community day helps raise awareness and funds for continued preservation and improvements in Riverview. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year! ?? Thank you to Pipitone, our presenting sponsor, Northside Leadership Conference, Friends of Riverview Park,?City of Pittsburgh and all of our other wonderful community sponsors and partners.

Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the fall season at our Community Campfire in Frick Park on the evening of Saturday, October 19. Experience the beauty of your parks in autumn with us in the Frick Park Hollow. The gathering will include:? ?? Marshmallow roasting? ?? Pumpkin painting? ?? Live music to set the mood ?? A spectacular fall evening under the stars This event is $5 for adults and children four and older and is BYOR (bring your own roastables). We hope to see you around the campfire! Get your tickets at PittsburghParks.org/Events The Community Campfire event is generously sponsored by S&B USA Construction - Fay - Fay Southeast.?

Today, we were honored to host the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the U.S. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Clifford Villa, for a tour of our ecological restoration sites and trail improvements in Emerald View Park and a discussion on critical workforce development initiatives benefitting the park and the impact of federal investment on public spaces. Thank you to our partners from the City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Department of Public Works, Office of Councilwoman Theresa Kail Smith, Landforce, and the Pittsburgh Park Rangers for joining us!

This week, the hardworking and passionate team from Braskem helped to plant over 1,200 native grass plugs at the Frick Environmental Center. Thank you, Braskem, for your generous partnership and support!

?? We had an incredible time at our inaugural Glow in the Park, presented by Peoples Natural Gas! Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors and guests who helped us to light up Schenley Plaza. We can't wait to see you next year ??

Amazing afternoon at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy inaugural Freedom Harvest Festival at #FrickEnvironmentalCenter! While PRC experts explained all about #composting, kids of all ages tried their luck at Compost Bowling! Learn about PRC #BackyardComposting workshops: https://ow.ly/ZtSX50Ti9UQ