Restoring Pittsburgh’s Public Green Space • Frick, Highland, Riverview & Schenley Parks Fall 2006

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Crews Clean UpHighland Park

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Improvements at theSchenley Oval

PPC Launches New Websites

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Schenley PlazaGrand Opening

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UPMC Health Plan Sponsors Lecture SeriesBy Amy Ripley

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is thrilled to announce anew partnership with UPMC Health Plan to promotehealthy lifestyles in the region and re-focus attention

on Pittsburgh’s parks and trails as a wonderful venue forhealthful personal exercise. Over the next three years,UPMC Health Plan will be the presenting sponsor of thelecture series at the Schenley Park Visitor Center, whichwill be re-focused on healthy lifestyles starting this month.

The UPMC Health Plan Healthy Living Lecture Serieswill debut at noon on October 12 at the Schenley Park

Visitor Center. As a new, healthy spin on PPC’s previouslecture series, which focused on ecology, art, outdooradventure and local history, this free six-week series willfeature local medical and health experts discussing important health issues, including fitness, the flu, diabetes,and holistic health.

UPMC Health Plan is presenting the series to support abold city-wide initiative to make Pittsburgh the healthiestcity in the country. The health insurer is partnering withAmerica on the Move, a national non-profit program that

DCNR Secretary Tours Schenley Park

Phil Gruszka (center), PPC Director of Park Management and MaintenancePolicies, outlines some of the restoration projects that have been undertaken inSchenley Park’s Panther Hollow to Michael DeBerardinis (right), Secretary of thePennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and CindyDunn (left), Director of DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Severalrepresentatives of DCNR visited Pittsburgh in August and toured the restoredPhipps Run area while learning about future plans for Panther Hollow. The statehas been supportive of Pittsburgh’s parks restoration efforts.

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Don’t miss theHalloween bash named“Best Event of 2005”by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN! Thisyear’s MadcapMasquerade, presented by UPMCHealth Plan, will beheld Saturday, Oct. 28in the Hunt Armory inShadyside. The black-tie or costume eventwill feature wild

entertainment, a fashion show by local designers, andgreat drinks, dessert, and dancing.

Tickets are $250 and include 7 p.m. entry, dinner, andvalet parking. Tickets to the “After Nine” portion are$50. Visit www.pittsburghparks.org or call 412-682-7275 to make your reservation.

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SEE LECTURE SERIES, PAGE 2

PPC mourns the loss of Mayor Bob O’Connor, a devoted Pittsburgher and park friend who supported the PittsburghParks Conservancy from its earliest days. He is seen here on June 8 at the opening ceremony for Schenley Plaza.Pictured: City Councilman Bill Peduto, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg, Oakland CommunityCouncil member Nathan Hart, PNC Financial Services CEO Jim Rohr, PPC President Meg Cheever, County ChiefExecutive Dan Onorato, Bob O’Connor, former PPC Board Chair Marlee Myers, and PPC Board Chair Richard Reed.

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Mayor Bob O’Connor1944 - 2006

Pittsburgh’s parks lost a dear friendlast month with the passing ofMayor Bob O’Connor.

During his tenure as City CouncilPresident and then as Mayor, O’Connorhad been a major supporter of the parksthroughout the first ten years of thePittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

The mayor’s enthusiasm for the City ofPittsburgh, including its four beautifulregional parks, was infectious. Asked toname his favorite of the parks, heanswered that it would be like choosingwhich of his children was his favorite.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy hasalways adhered to Charles Jordan’s beliefthat “parks are the most democratic spaces in society.” Parks are forpeople of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds; they arespaces designed to bring the community together. Few people demonstrated enthusiasm for community like Mayor O’Connor, whospent much of his time among the people of the City, attending their

important events, participating in theirlives. You may have spotted himamong the revelers at last year’sMadcap Masquerade, and he wassporting a baseball cap at this year’sSpring Hat Luncheon.

One of the final milestonesMayor O’Connor celebrated withus was the grand opening ofSchenley Plaza in June, where heexpressed his excitement at beingpart of the first ride on the PNCCarousel. “This is really whatPittsburgh is all about,” he said of

the Plaza’s union of green space withurban progress.

Mayor O’Connor’s devotion to improving the landscape of Pittsburgh,and his always-smiling presence in that landscape, will be deeplymissed.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Page 2 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

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

Expectations ExceededCongratulations! I just want you to know thatmy wife and I, both seniors on limited income,were among those who lamented the loss ofconvenient and inexpensive parking spaceswhen Schenley Plaza was first proposed. Itdid not sink in that the space would be morethan trees and benches. Now that we see whathas been created, we are just thrilled with thismost useful, beautiful, charming, imaginativeaddition to our city. Walter BoningerOakland

Accommodating CarouselWhat a wonderful experience my husband,Harry, and I had at the Plaza. We were able tofind a parking space right in front of thecarousel. Naturally we enjoyed strollingthrough the gardens while sunbathers, “sweethearts,” students, a yoga person andfamilies enjoyed the day on the Plaza. Wereturned to the carousel where my husband

asked the operator if it would be possible forme to ride on the grand carousel although I amwheelchair-bound. She could not have beenmore accommodating. Round and round Iwent smiling and waving to passers-by. Barbara RuaneShadyside

Plaza Provides Summer RetreatAs an employee at UPMC, I just want you toknow how much I have enjoyed SchenleyPlaza this summer. I walk down to “my park”several times a week to eat my lunch andenjoy the great music under the shade of thebig canopy. I’m amazed by the abundance oftalent in the local Pittsburgh musicians. Thefood stands seem to be thriving. The carouselis truly a work of art. I must say that SchenleyPlaza is my favorite place to go in Oaklandthis summer and I’m glad to see so many peo-ple enjoying it along with me.Karlyn WilsonOakland

Schenley Park Much ImprovedI am writing you as a previous resident ofPittsburgh for 40 years who continues to visitthe city regularly. From 1976 to 1997, I ran onthe trails in Schenley Park virtually every day.Conservatively, I have logged some 25,000miles on those trails. I have a deep and abiding love for Schenley Park that borders onthe fanatical.

When I came up to Pittsburgh several weeksago, I was very pleasantly surprised to see allthe work that has been done on “my” park. Itlooks more beautiful than in all the 30 yearsthat I have been running there. There aremany things that may go unnoticed by thecasual observer but not me. I cannot tell youhow much joy it brings me to know that otherpeople are willing to invest their time, energy,and money in restoring Schenley Park to bethe beautiful jewel of the city that it is.Robert ZoellerDavie, Florida

Mayor Bob O’Connor with Meg Cheever at the May 2006 Spring HatLuncheon in Schenley Plaza.

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works to improve health and quality of life by promotinghealthful eating and active living. Many local organiza-tions who are participating in America on the Move inPittsburgh will be highlighted during the series.

“Both the Conservancy and UPMC Health Plan viewparks as phenomenal resources for healthy living,” saidDiane Holder, president of UPMC Health Plan. “We arepleased to present this lecture series as a way to educatethe public on important health issues, while encouragingthem to use the parks to increase their physical activity,reduce their stress, and find enjoyable ways to livehealthfully.”

Lectures will last about 30 minutes and be followed byQ&A on the following Thursdays:

October 12 - America on the Move in Pittsburgh: HowSmall Fitness Steps Make a Big Impact - John Jakicic,PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of

Health and Physical Activity, University of PittsburghOctober 19 – How to Build a Weight-Loss Toolbox -Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, Director, UPMC WeightManagement Center and Melinda Parker, MS, RD, ChiefBariatric Nutritionist, UPMC Weight Management CenterOctober 26 - Diabetes: The Emerging Epidemic - LindaSiminerio, Director, University of Pittsburgh DiabetesInstitute November 2 - A Shot of Prevention: Protecting Yourselffrom Flu and Avian Flu - Anne Docimo, MD, ChiefMedical Officer, UPMC Health PlanNovember 9 – Holistic Health: Being Well-Balanced -Rose Gantner, EdD, Senior Director, Health Promotion,UPMC Health PlanNovember 16 - Healthy Living for Seniors - MikeCulyba, MD, Vice President, Medical Affairs, UPMCHealth Plan

Dr. John Jakicic will be theinaugural speaker at theUPMC Health Plan HealthyLiving Lecture Series.

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LECTURE SERIES, FROM PAGE 1

Page 3Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

Schenley Plaza Makes Its Grand EntranceBy Melissa McMasters

Over 50,000 people who attended Schenley Plaza’s Grand Openingweekend celebration from June 8 to June 11 became the first toenjoy the city’s newest destination for family fun and relaxation.

With the sound of carousel music, the sight of the Zany Umbrella Circusperforming a new high-wire spectacle, and the smell of delicious foodfrom the four local food kiosks as accompaniment, PPC and its manycommunity partners officially opened Oakland’s new urban green space.

The morning began with an official “ribbon-tying” ceremony to symbolize the coming together of the project partners: local government,foundations, universities, community members, and PPC. Then it wastime for the ceremonial first ride for sponsors of the PNC Carousel ani-mals, which proved to be a popular destination for kids this summer.

“When our son, Liam, 2, spotted the carousel, he literally flew down thewalkway,” says Laura Ellis of Sewickley. “During his first go-round (onthe tiger), he was quite solemn, but what we didn’t realize was that hewas checking out all the animals to determine his next conquest. Theminute the ride slowed, he exclaimed ‘Waabit!’ and made a beeline for

the rabbit. Each time the ride came to an end, he announced the next chosen animal, which was okay, except competition for the dolphin was quitefierce, and it took a number of extra spins before we were quick enough to secure a seat onboard this happy ocean creature. Once this achievementwas made, we finally were able to step off without any tears.”

Liam is just one of the many kids who has enjoyed the family entertainment taking place at the Plaza throughout the summer. As part of openingweekend festivities, Zany Umbrella Circus debuted its new show, “The Enchanted Toy Box,” sponsored by the Pittsburgh Foundation and the HeinzEndowments, before staging several additional performances during June. The National Geographic Outdoor Film Series, sponsored by PittsburghROARS, unleashed leopards, bears, and wolves on adventurous visitors on Thursday nights. For puppet shows, free carousel rides, face-painting,and interactive storytelling, kids could come to one of four Kids Days, sponsored by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. And visitors to the foodkiosks can tap their feet to live jazz, rock, reggae, and swing six days a week as they enjoy their lunches under the tent.

Sponsor a Garden orBench in the Plaza!

Schenley Plaza’s outdoor gardens givepark users a beautiful and serene settingfor reading, relaxing, or surfing theInternet. By sponsoring one of the garden rooms or the elegant Spanishcedar benches that adorn the gardens,you will help keep the Plaza beautifulfor years to come.

Bench sponsorships are $3,000 for asection of a curved bench or an entirestraight bench, which seats 4 people,and $10,000 for a curved bench, whichseats 10 people. An engraved plaquewill be placed in the gardens and on thebenches to honor the donor or someoneof the donor’s choice. Garden roomsponsorships are $5,000 to $15,000depending on the garden area.

For more about naming opportunitiesat the Plaza, call 412-682-7275 or visitwww.schenleyplaza.org/support.

Carousel sponsor Linda Haller accompanies Dominique Matthews at theceremonial first ride on the PNC Carousel during Schenley Plaza’s grandopening on June 8.

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Schenley Plaza as seen from the Cathedral of Learning.

Carousel SponsorsPittsburgh Parks Conservancy would like to thank all the sponsors of the animals on the PNC Carousel. Their generosity will allow the carousel tobring joy to Schenley Plaza visitors for years to come.

Animal Name Adopted byHorse Krissy’s Lily Mr. and Mrs. James E. RohrEagle Freedom Anna and Ed Dunlap and FamilyDolphin Sea Diver George and Jane GreerSea Dragon Puff The Charity Randall FoundationGiraffe Troy Polamalu Audrey and Tim FisherRabbit Rrraaa-bit’! John and Catharine RyanCamel Harry Skettle Richard and Susie NernbergPig Henrietta Elsie HillmanTriceratops Topper Marjorie Burns HallerSeal R Merry Seal Gookin Family FoundationPanther Pitt the Panther Henry and Linda HallerTiger Toofus DSF Charitable FoundationSea Horse Hippicamp The Syngnathid Family Elephant Nancy Alex and Tonja CondronOstrich Oscar Babcock Charitable TrustChariot Accessible Chariot FISA FoundationSpinning Tub Malena’s Marvelous The Rhoades Family

Planetary Teacup

Garden SponsorsAlan and Barbara AckermanDr. S. Rand Werrin and Barbara &Herb Shear

Bench SponsorsAlan and Barbara AckermanAllen H. and Selma W. BerkmanCharitable TrustMeg and George CheeverHeather Chronis and Jason ChronisHenry and Linda HallerHarry and Barbara HenningerMrs. Robert E. MertzMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPMartha and Ramen RaakTeri and Damian SofferUniversity of PittsburghDr. S. Rand Werrin

We thank all those who have sponsored benches and gardens inthe Plaza for their generosity.

Current and Former PPC Board Chairs Discuss Their Love for ParksBy Emily Marchesani

Effective July 1, Richard W. Reed, Jr., executive vice president of the Pittsburgh Foundation, succeeded Marlee S. Myers, managing partner of thePittsburgh office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, as board chair for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Myers had held the position since thePPC’s inception. “People should be aware that there’s a continuity on the board, and Richard Reed has been a part of the vision and implementa-

tion for years. We all feel that the PPC has a lot of unfinished business and we’re enthusiastic about the road ahead,” said Myers.

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PPC Welcomes New Staff MemberBByy JJeessssiiccaa TToodddd

This spring, the PittsburghParks Conservancy welcomedMelissa McMasters to the staff

as Marketing CommunicationsCoordinator. In her new role, Melissais responsible for newsletter layoutand design, press releases, mediarelations, website maintenance, andimage gathering for the PPC.

After receiving her undergraduatedegree in English for CorporateCommunications from ChristianBrothers University in Memphis,Tennessee, Melissa attendedCarnegie Mellon University,

earning her Masters in Literary andCultural Studies.

Melissa’s new position at the PPCcombines her love and appreciationfor flowers and horticulture with herskills in writing and media relations.She enjoys the many different exciting aspects of her new job, especially the graphic design workon the newsletter.

“I’m excited to be working in sucha creative organization that’s doingso much to enhance the quality oflife in Pittsburgh. The natural beautyof the city is one of the main reasonsI chose to remain in Pittsburgh aftergraduation, and I love being able totell people about the great thingsgoing on in the parks. I often walk inSchenley Park, visit Phipps and gethot chocolate at the Visitor Center,”she said.

In her free time, Melissa likes toread, listen to music and hang outwith friends in a cooking club.

How long haveyou lived andworked inPittsburgh?Why do youthink parks areso important toour city?Reed: I’ve livedand worked inthe city forabout 30 years.The parks are so

important becausethey make the city livable; they give access tonature and green space in an urban environment.We are blessed to have parks because theyimprove the quality of life for those who chooseto live in the city as I do.Myers: I’ve lived in Pittsburgh my whole lifeand worked here for 29 years. The parks are asymbol of community spirit. Everyone comestogether in the parks, making it a communityasset.

Do you visit the parks? What is your favoriteParks Conservancy showcase project?Reed: When our children were little we usedFrick Park a lot for the playgrounds. As our kidsbecame involved in soccer and baseball, weused the fields at Schenley and Frick parks. Fora number of years I worked near Riverview Parkand we used the shelters for work events. Today,I walk in Schenley Park. My favorite showcaseproject is the Plaza because of its impact. It wassuch an extraordinary transformation of space. Myers: Yes. I use Schenley and Frick very often.My favorite showcase project is Schenley Plazabecause it’s spectacular and it transformedOakland. It’s a huge improvement and recreated

the grand entrance for Schenley Park the way itwas intended to be.

Marlee, why did you choose to get involved inthe Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in 1996while it was being formed?Myers: I thought that the community needed anorganization such as the PPC. The beautifulparks were visibly deteriorating. Without it noneof the improvements we’ve seen so far wouldhave happened.

What would you say is your biggest accom-plishment as Founding Board Chair?Myers: All of the accomplishments have beengroup accomplishments. We’ve had three majoraccomplishments, with the first being SchenleyPlaza. Second, we’ve raised awareness through-out the region about the importance of parks,and we’ve highlighted the love people have forour parks. Third, we’ve proved this could bedone. We started from scratch, and we are onlyat the beginning. We have a lot more to do.

Richard, you have been involved with thePPC and its board of directors for a numberof years. Why did you choose to make a larg-er commitment of your time and energy bybecoming Board Chair?Reed: I think that the organization plays a signif-icant impacting role. I have such respect for thestaff and what they’re trying to accomplish. Thisis a critical time for the PPC because we need tomake significant choices in the direction it willtake in the future. I thought I could be useful.

What is your favorite accomplishment of thePPC over the past 10 years? As Board Chair,what is your main goal for the future?Reed: What’s impressed me the most is that the

PPC has beenable to operatein the blackevery year.My main goalis to gothrough astrategic plan-ning processthat will definethe next 5 to10 years, andwhat role PPCmight assume, ifany, beyond its partnership with the city.

Marlee, you were recently surprised with thepresentation of the Marlee S. Myers ParkEndowment Fund, established with supportfrom your fellow partners at Morgan, Lewis& Bockius, PPC Board members and friends.Also, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius sponsored abench in Schenley Plaza in your honor. Howhave these special gifts impacted you?Myers: Words cannot express how moved I am.The achievements have been communityachievements — no one person could have donethese things alone — but I’m moved to havebeen recognized for my part in it.

Richard, what will be the biggest challengefor you as Board Chair or for the ParksConservancy as it moves past its ten-yearanniversary?Reed: Developing some sort of sustainable operating revenue. The parks are free — theyshould be by virtue of what they are — so weneed to come up with viable sources of operating revenue. That’s why community support is so important.

Richard W. Reed, Jr. Marlee S. Myers

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PPC would like to honor the memory of Mrs. Emma O. Sharp, alongtime friend of PPC, who passed away in early September. Mrs.Sharp attended every Spring Hat Luncheon until this year.

As a dedicated friend, Mrs. Sharp always looked beautiful at theSpring Hat Luncheons, which she often attended with her daughterSusan Dorrance (right) and granddaughters Abby and MollyDorrance (left and center).

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Ground broke on the restorationof the Riverview Park ChapelShelter on August 1. In less than ayear, the shelter will once againprovide a fun gathering place forpark users and residents of theNorth Side.

Construction crews were able tosalvage much of the original structure as part of the restoration,but the new shelter will have a

stronger foundation and added historic detail. Clean restrooms, aworking kitchen, and a modernizedheating and cooling system aresome of the amenities that willcharacterize the completed shelter.

In springtime the restored collections of lilacs and irises willcome into bloom. Construction isexpected to be completed shortlyafterwards, by next summer.

Page 5Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

The Regional Parks Master Plan,our guiding document for parkrenewal, has a new appendix that

outlines guidelines and standards forpark lighting and bench design. Thenewly-developed principles will unifydesign elements, establishing a commonidentity and image throughout the urbanpark system.

“The Department of Public Worksparks crews actively reference theRegional Parks Master Plan in our workin all the City parks. It helps us determine our work plans and providesus with the necessary guidelines as werestore and replace many features in theparks such as lighting and benches,” says MikeGable, Deputy Director of the City ofPittsburgh’s Department of Public Works.

The first step in developing the guidelines wasto understand the history and evolution of theparks’ landscape design, character, and details.Balancing this knowledge with modern needsand innovations, the amendment outlines twonew lighting standards – pedestrian mid-heightlighting and park drive tall-height lighting.

Pedestrian lighting, recommended for pedestrian paths, plazas, terraces, and gatheringspaces, is set on a low pole post with a historicacorn-shaped fixture, similar to those beingused as the downtown standard. Lighting for

park drives, roadways, and streets will be set onhigh poles with a decorative base, an arm, and adrop luminary.

Phil Gruszka, Director of Park Management &Maintenance Policies for the Pittsburgh ParksConservancy, is pleased with the newly devel-oped standards. “The Highland Park EntryGardens and Fountain was the first project toimplement these lighting standards. The largefixtures are marvelous additions that showcasethe gardens and increase safety, especially atdawn and dusk,” he said.

Equipped with partial or full cutoff optics,these lights are engineered to control light pollution and greatly reduce glare, whileimproving visibility. The guidelines also

recommend the use of halide lightsources, similar to halogen, for theirefficiency, high color rendering ability,and long life. Once implemented, theseimprovements will make the parks moreinviting and improve safety for users.

PPC has also updated the SchenleyPark Visitor Center and Schenley Plazawith partial cutoff lighting. “These prac-tices improve Pittsburghers’ enjoymentof the parks by brightening the groundlevel, increasing visibility of stars in thenight sky,” said Mr. Gruszka.

The new standard for wood-slatedpark benches pays tribute to Pittsburghparks’ long tradition of wooden park

benches. To develop the new, updated version,experts studied Pittsburgh Department of PublicWorks’ bench drawings from 1965. The newstandard specifies a black painted steel frameand varnished oak slates attached with steelbolts and rivets. The bench standard also offersthe option of a donor plaque of cast bronze torecognize park supporters.

PPC and the City plan to implement these newstandards as regular repair and maintenance aremade throughout the parks. AlleghenyCommons in North Park also plans to adoptthese standards. Donors can make contributionsto support these initiatives by contacting PPC at(412) 682-7275.

Riverview Construction UnderwayThe Invasive AdvisorInvasive plants are choking out the biodiversity of our natural areas – even in ourown backyards. These invasive, non-native plants are not part of our original habitat,but were introduced from other countries, often for gardens and landscaping. Withfew or no natural enemies, you can now see these plants taking over entire landscapes like roadsides, disturbed woodlands and our parks.

Join the battle! Learn to recognize and control invasive species by reading this column and by picking up Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas at theSchenley Park Visitor Center ($4.00, published by the National Park Service andU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

TThhiiss EEddiittiioonn:: OOrriieennttaall BBiitttteerrsswweeeettCommon name: Oriental bittersweetScientific name: Celastrus orbiculatusOrigin: Eastern Asia, Korea, China, and Japan

DESCRIPTION: Oriental bittersweet is a deciduous woody vine with finelytoothed oval leaves. In fall, it has yellow-gold foliage and produces bright redberries with orange seed coverings.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: The vine entwines itself around other plants andstructures, smothering or breaking smaller vegetation and contributing to theuprooting of heavy trees during severe weather. It propagates by seeds, whichare easily spread by birds, and through root suckers and stems above ground.

HABITAT: It grows in forest edges, fields, anddisturbed woodlands. It prefers sun but toleratesshade well enough to infest forest areas.

SIZE: Stems can grow up to 4 inches in diameter,with vines climbing up to 60 feet high.

LOOK-ALIKES: American bittersweet, whichhas long leaves and few clusters of large fruits; Oriental bittersweet has wideoval leaves and produces many clusters of smaller fruits.

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: Cut the vines near the ground and as high as possible into the tree canopy before the vines set fruit. If possible, pull the plantout by the roots, which are often shallow. If the plant has fruited, discard inplastic garbage bags and dispose in a landfill.

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE PLANTS: American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), passionflower vine, native wisteria

Photos by Steven Manning, Invasive Plant Control Inc.

Regional Parks Bench and Lighting Design Guidelines SetBy Jessica Todd

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The new Pittsburgh park benches will be installed as part of regular maintenance projects in the parks.

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PPC has recently been honored with three awards for its environmentalstewardship. The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, theInternational Society of Arboriculture, and the Historic Review

Commission of Pittsburgh all honored PPC in 2006.The 2006 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award’s Community category

honored PPC for its devotion to community needs and interests in areas such asinnovative design, volunteerism, and the protection or enhancement of the environment. PPC was recognized for its partnership with the City of Pittsburghin developing and implementing the Regional Parks Master Plan. As a result ofwinning this award, PPC received a $1,000 prize to further devote to its workwith the city’s parks.

One of the most important projects of the International Society of Arboriculture(ISA) is observing Arbor Day with a community-based volunteer initiative. Thisyear, PPC was given the ISA’s highest honor of “Most Outstanding Arbor DayActivity” for partnering with youth from the Pennsylvania Community IntensiveSupervision Program to plant elm trees along Schenley Drive in Schenley Park, aproject maintained with the efforts of City of Pittsburgh crews.

For the third time, PPC received an award from the Historic ReviewCommission of Pittsburgh, which honors building owners, funding sources,architects, and contractors involved in outstanding building restoration projects. This year, PPC was recognized for its work with the City of Pittsburghto revitalize the Highland Park Entry Garden and fountain according to its histor-ical design. Previously, PPC had received this honor in 2002 for its work withCity crews to restore the Schenley Park Visitor Center and in 2004 for work onthe Highland Park Babbling Brook.

Page 6 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter

WALKS INTHE WOODS

Wednesday walks continue through October from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

October 4: Schenley Park Visitor CenterOctober 11: Riverview Park Main EntranceOctober 18: Highland Park Entry GardenOctober 25: Frick Environmental Center

Winter Walks begin soon and continuethrough April. First Saturdays, 10:30 to noon.

November 4: Schenley ParkDecember 2: Riverview ParkJanuary 6: Highland ParkFebruary 3: Frick ParkMarch 3: Schenley ParkApril 7: Riverview Park

This summer, visitors to PPC’s website, www.pittsburghparks.org, were greeted by a brand-newdesign, improved navigation and other new features. The redesigned PPC website, featuring mapsand extensive information about the parks, material about volunteer and educational programs,

and online donations and ticket sales, provides users a convenient place to learn about both the parks andPPC. It also features a link to the all-new www.schenleyplaza.org, which contains everything users needto know about Schenley Plaza, including the history of the site and continuously updated programmingschedules.

With a generous grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the websites were designed by MindOver Media and built by Savvior Technology Solutions. “Our desire was to create destination sites ofunmatched visual expression as a means of creating a showcase platform for the mission and vision ofthe PPC,” said Chere Tiller, Mind Over Media Information Architect. “At the same time, we wanted to ensurethat the sites were easy to navigate, that each enticed visitors to actively utilize these invaluable urban escapesfrom day to day life, and ultimately to generate excitement about the cultural and ecological significance of the restoration projects underway.We also sought to create a visual experience that balanced the richness of the past, the vibrant opportunities of the present and the potential success of the future of Pittsburgh’s four great parks.”A crucial aspect of the new sites is their opportunity for users to interact directly with the PPC. On the Pittsburgh Parks website, users can visit

a “Park Watch” section for each park and submit photos or comments about their park experiences. The Urban EcoStewards section of the siteallows visitors to explore what it means to be involved in the program, while current EcoStewards canlog in to record their hours and details of their projects. Website users can also now make reservationsonline for the Madcap Masquerade and the Spring Hat Luncheon, as well as subscribe to online-onlynews updates.

The new websites also allow PPC to accept online membership donations. Users of each site simplyclick on the “Donate” button and are taken to a secure form, where they can specify the membershiplevel they want. This system will cut down on printing and postage expenses and give donors the satisfaction that their contribution is immediately going to work for the parks. In addition, the SchenleyPlaza website offers users the chance to purchase a commemorative brick securely online or downloadan application form to host a private event at the Plaza.

With so much to see and new information always being added, you’ll want to bookmark the parks!

With PPC’s Revamped Websites, Parks Are Just a Click AwayBy Melissa McMasters

PPC Recognized for Outstanding Environmental AchievementsBy Melissa McMasters

the GARDEN CLUB of ALLEGHENY COUNTY presents

3 0 D I S T I N C T I V E B O U T I QU E S F RO M AC RO S S T H E C O U N T RY

{ P I Z Z A Z Z }

Thursday, October 19 • 9:30 am – 7:00 pmFriday, October 20 • 9:30 am – 4:00 pm$5 donation at the door

Funds from Pizzazz support the Garden Club’s community projects including the Pittsburgh Parks.

Fox Chapel Golf Club, 426 Fox Chapel Road Lunch availableFor information, please call 412-741-7520

www.pittsburghparks.org

www.schenleyplaza.org

Pittsburghers will soon have a new public soccer field in Schenley Park. The City of Pittsburgh’s Citiparks, with invest-ment from city high schools and Dynamo soccer club, have begun construction on a $1.2 million synthetic surface, regu-lation-size soccer field and surrounding track near Schenley Oval, which are expected to be completed in mid-October.

The project began as a renovation of the track that would have destroyed the field, taking away one of only a few rectangularfields in Pittsburgh’s East End. Since the field would need to be replaced, Dynamo, a volunteer organization that helps childrenages 5-19 develop soccer skills, suggested installing a synthetic turf field to accommodate soccer, lacrosse, and ultimateFrisbee games.

Dynamo obtained funds from local foundations and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to renovate the field. “The City and Dynamoseized an opportunity to greatly improve the recreational environment at the Oval,” says Adele Hlasnik, Dynamo president.

The old field at the Oval was in deplorable condition due to excessive use and inclement weather and did not serve the needsof its primary users, local high schools and soccer clubs. The new field will be regulation-size – between 100 and 130 yards long and 50 to 100 yardswide – with a synthetic grass mat and crumb rubber surface.

Synthetic field surfaces have been in widespread use in the United States since1997 and are created to simulate the appearance and playability of natural grass utilizing a synthetic fiber grass blade. The fabric fibers are spread with crumb rubber, coarse sand-sized rubber pellets used as infill to enhance the performanceand durability of the surface.

With regular maintenance, the field’s synthetic surface will last 10 to 15 years.Some necessary maintenance will include watering for a clean, uniform appearance,sanitizing, repairing seams, removing snow, and sweeping and dragging to smoothout undulations, re-incorporate finer particles, and stand up turf fibers.

Players do not have to take any special precautions while using the synthetic field,but the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is currentlyresearching injuries on synthetic fields due to field hardness and epidemiologicalissues such as heat exhaustion, presence of heavy metals, carcinogens, and infectious fungi.

The field can be played on during park hours (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), seven days a week, by permit only. The general public will be able to obtain permitsfor the field through the Department of Public Works. For more information on the new field and track, contact DPW at 412-255-2370.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter Page 7

Mary Beth SteisslingerRestoration Coordinator

Amy Ripley Grants Writer

Beth BodamerAdministrative Assistant

Joyce CollierMembership Assistant

Gudrun WellsVolunteer Education

Coordinator

Erin CopelandField Coordinator

Jake MilofskyField Coordinator

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Staff

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

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 of Pittsburghers championing their parks!

Check One: o Benefactor Society $500 o 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.

Schenley Park Caféat the Schenley Park Visitor Center

Café • Gifts • Free Wireless Internet • Event Rental

Call for winter hours101 Panther Hollow Road

412-687-1800

Convenient parking at half-hour and hourly metersSundays in the Park, featuring live music and guided park

walks, continue through October 15 (12:30 - 3:30 pm)

Meg CheeverPresident and CEO

Debbie BeckChief Financial Officer

Philip J. GruszkaDirector of Park Management

and Maintenance Policies

Roy E. LenhardtDevelopment Director

Jessica ToddDevelopment Coordinator

Melissa McMastersMarketing and Communications

Coordinator

o Business Membership $5,000o Business Membership $2,500o Business Membership $1,000o Business Membership $500

New Soccer Field and Track Under Construction at Schenley OvalBy Jessica Todd

Improvements being made at the Schenley Oval field will create aregulation-size soccer field from synthetic materials.

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A girl walks beside a pool at the newly restored Nine Mile Runstream bordering Frick Park. The Nine Mile Run WatershedAssociation aims to turn the area into a vibrant ecosystemwhile educating park users to be stewards of the land.

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Page 8 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy NewsletterNon-Profit Org.U S POSTAGEP A I D

PITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO 4906

Work Crews Remove Invasives, Plan Pittsburgh Green Forum in Highland ParkBy Melissa McMasters

This August, Student ConservationAssociation (SCA) crews worked inHighland Park to remove invasive

species and help plan November’s PittsburghGreen Forum.

The invasive plants crew worked primarily toremove pockets of Japanese knotweed that arescattered throughout the park and planted anaggressive native mix of grass, StaghornSumac, and Pokeberry seeds to reclaim theterritory. They also focused on cutting downinvasive Norway maple and using the saplingsto stabilize the hillside.

“The SCA provides high school students withan opportunity to get out into their local parksand learn about nature and ecology,” said crewleader John Haviland. “They are acquiringtraining in environmental and landscape work

that could help them in future careers, especially given initiatives like the GreenForum that are working to create a continuousgreen belt in the city.”

The invasive crew joined two regular-seasonSCA crews, who completed a trail connectionbetween the Babbling Brook and the Mt.Bigelow trail. This trail will make it safer forbikers and pedestrians moving through thepark by stabilizing the trail and slowing erosion and water runoff. Additional workfocused on the new seasonal pools beside thebike track along Washington Blvd., which arecreating a bio-diverse habitat for native floraand fauna. Some animal species that havebeen sighted in the area include blue herons,turkeys, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, crayfish,and slimy salamanders. Plants, including blueflag iris, giant ironweed, and bristlebractsedge, have also been seeded at the pools.Another SCA work crew used office space in

the farmhouse through a collaborative agreement with Citiparks and the HighlandPark Community Development Corporation.Their goal was to help develop a primer forthe Pittsburgh Green Forum, a collaborationbetween multiple environmental and community organizations geared toward making Pittsburgh one of the cleanest andgreenest cities in the U.S. by 2010. Theforum, funded by the Sprout Fund and hostedby the Urban Ecology Collaborative, seeks tosecure commitment from government, business, educational, and community groupsto undertake greening projects that willenhance the local landscape.

Of particular interest is the use of vacant landfor environmentally sound projects. The workcrew in Highland Park developed a documentoutlining past vacant land projects and whathas and has not worked. Vacant land can betransformed from an eyesore into a rich areaof urban vegetation, which can lead to pollution control, climate improvement, hospitable habitats for plants and animals, andeducational and recreational opportunities forresidents and visitors. A key outcome of theGreen Forum will be the development of aStrategic Plan for the Revitalization of VacantLand that will be presented to the mayor byDecember. A Student Conservation Association work crew

removes a tall Norway maple from a hillside inHighland Park.

With a planned gift to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, youcan combine your desire to give to charity with your overallfinancial, tax, and estate planning goals. Your planned gift gives you a special connection with the parksand the knowledge thatyou will be touching thelives of future generations.

Make a Planned Gift to the Parks

Kids enjoying the view of the reservoir in Highland Park.

Call PPC at (412) 682-7275for more information.

One of Highland Park’s new seasonal pools.

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