Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

“It was amazing to see it being built and to now see it in its full glory is wonderful,” said Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy CEO Catherine Qureshi. “Public art speaks to everybody. This is so exciting — so energizing. We love Mellon Square Park and this art is a way to keep it activated throughout the winter.” https://lnkd.in/e2RDeiG7

?? Request for Proposals: Help Shape Pittsburgh’s Parks! ?? The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is seeking skilled consultants for Design Services and Construction Administration on two exciting park improvement projects: ? Mellon Park Pathway, Lighting, and Entrance Improvements ?? McKinley Park Community Grove These projects are pivotal to our mission of revitalizing Pittsburgh’s parks and ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and beautiful for all. Ready to contribute your expertise to these transformative efforts? Explore the details and submit your proposal today: https://lnkd.in/e3QSf6Eb

We are honored to join forces with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, Homewood-Brushton YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and other key partners to connect Homewood teenagers to outdoor learning experiences rooted in the arts, recreation, and civic engagement. Funding from Remake Learning’s Moonshot initiative will connect learners to the power of nature and inspire them to take action to improve their communities. We can’t wait to get started! ??

Thank you so much to the hardworking volunteers from FedEx for helping us to beautify the trails in Emerald View Park last week. We are grateful for your passion and continued investment in cleaner, greener, and more beautiful parks for all!

?? Opportunity Alert for Contractors ?? The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is excited to announce a Request for Proposal for the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitors Center Renovation Project! This unique project includes: ? Replacing the existing cork flooring on the first floor with a durable, historically appropriate material. ? Upgrading to an energy-efficient, smaller refrigerated display case and extending the front café counter. ??? Deadline: Bids are due by December 13 at 4:00 PM. Learn more and help us preserve and enhance a beloved community space: https://lnkd.in/e3QSf6Eb

??We are so honored that environmental educators from around the world participating in the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Conference in Pittsburgh visited and toured Pittsburgh’s parks this week! James Brown, Director of Education and the Frick Environmental Center (FEC), and Jen Schnakenberg, Assistant Director of Education, led the group on tours of the FEC and surrounding Frick Park. Attendees also hiked in Fern Hollow and Nine Mile Run with Upstream Pittsburgh, where they learned about ecological restoration efforts and toured Emerald View Park with a hike led by the Pittsburgh Park Rangers. The FEC is a global leader in sustainability as a certified Living Building that has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum. For more than five decades, NAAEE has promoted excellence in environmental education throughout North America and the world. They are dedicated to strengthening the field of environmental education and increasing the visibility and efficacy of the profession. This year’s conference, held in the city of bridges, aims to spotlight environmental educators as natural bridge builders. “We recognize the pivotal role environmental educators play in developing solutions by dismantling barriers in communities, working collaboratively across borders, nurturing innovative partnerships, and amplifying program impact.” Learn more about the conference here: https://lnkd.in/eyAt_tQe

?? Request for Proposal: Design Services Opportunity at Mellon Park! The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is seeking proposals from experienced design professionals for the Mellon Park Pathway, Lighting, and Entrance Improvements project. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance a beloved green space in our community, creating safe, accessible, and beautifully lit pathways to enrich the visitor experience. If you or your firm are passionate about design, sustainability, and public parks, we invite you to explore this RFP and help us make a lasting impact on Mellon Park! Learn more and submit your proposal. https://lnkd.in/eMVBNxVJ

Exciting news! The restoration of the historic Valley Refuge Shelter in Riverview Park is set to begin in the coming months. The community shelter is set to receive much-needed repairs, thanks to support from the community and dedicated partners. This beautiful landmark, a staple gathering spot and one of the most-used shelters in the park system, will be restored to ensure it remains a safe, welcoming space for future generations. Design is underway and will honor its original architecture while enhancing accessibility and sustainability and ensuring the long-term functionality of the shelter space. This project is made possible through an allocation from the City’s Parks Tax Trust Fund, a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, contributions from philanthropic foundations, and in-kind support from the City’s Department of Public Works. Stay tuned for progress updates, and thank you to everyone helping to protect and celebrate our parks! Thank you to Senator Wayne Fontana, Representative Emily Kinkead, Pittsburgh Department of Public Works, Mayor Ed Gainey, City of Pittsburgh, Councilman Bobby Wilson, Friends of Riverview Park, and Pittsburgh Historical and Museum Commission for your support of this project!

Volunteers from K&L Gates recently helped our Horticulture and Forestry team members plant 40 trees and shrubs from Tree Pittsburgh in August Wilson Park! They also weeded invasive Canada thistle and transplanted perennials around in the garden beds. The newly planted trees and shrubs primarily went into the wooded slope on the perimeter of the park with the intention of creating more biodiversity, mitigating erosion, competing with invasive plants, and improving the aesthetic beauty of the park. Thank you for pitching in a hand in your parks!

Over the last year, our partners at Giant Eagle, Inc. have allocated a portion of the fees collected on paper and fabric bags at their Pittsburgh locations in the beautification and activation of parks and the expansion of our environmental education programs. This unique collaboration has allowed us to grow our High School Urban EcoStewards program, purchase an electric landscape vehicle, host Earth Month events, and more. Thank you for investing in our future! Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/emnz5KxA And check out our YouTube video where our staff members talk about the impact the investment has on their work: https://lnkd.in/enu2KsVD