GREEN LIVING

Weekends at the Park

By Rosa Colucci

April 22, 2025

Pittsburgh is a city rich with parks and that makes it the perfect place to celebrate Earth Day, and ground yourself in nature.

The City of Pittsburgh maintains almost 3,800 acres over 176 parks. Of those, five regional parks connect to Pittsburgh’s deep history and draw thousands of visitors each year with public events that include live music, theater, art, sports and group activities. Here is a rundown of the city and county park system and what’s offered.

Highland Park

Highland Park was established in 1889 through a series of land acquisitions spearheaded by civil engineer Edward M. Bigelow. He was the first director of Public Works. During his thirty-year tenure he oversaw the creation of Highland, Schenley and the grand boulevards that would surround and connect them to Frick Park. He strongly felt the need for public greenspace to give respite to residents and stood his ground against developers who wanted to develop the greenspace.

The grand entrance of the Highland Park boasts Victorian gardens and a lovely fountain original to the park, removed for more than five decades and rebuilt in 2005 it is filled with beautiful plant species and maintained by volunteers. The main reservoir at Highland Park is not only the city water supply, but a favorite place to walk and visit. The community is very active and not only spearheaded the development of a filtration system to save the loop for public use, but the creation of the beloved Super Playground that draws families from far and wide. There are public shelters for rental, a bike path, jogging path, sand volleyball, a swimming pool, off-leash dog park and lake that is stocked for fishing. 

Schenley Park

Schenley Park located in the University community of Oakland and Squirrel Hill is home to the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden, more than a dozen play areas. Hiking trails, a lake and even a Merry-go-Round. Named for its Mary Schenley, (who gifted 300 acres) including Flagstaff Hill. It also features a well-loved nine-hole golf course named after the late Mayor Bob O’Connor. Other amenities include outdoor tennis courts, an ice rink and the NCAA regulation running track.

Don’t miss the world famous Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix that draws visitors racers from all over the world in a one of a kind road race.

Riverview Park

Riverview Park is on the edge of the North Side of the city and home to the Allegheny Observatory, sports fields and lots of hiking trails. The Riverview Park Chapel Shelter is one of the most rented facilities in the entire park system. 

Frick Park

Frick Park practically defies description as the largest municipal park with more than 644 acres to explore from Squirrel Hill to the eastern border of the city. The land was gifted to the city by Henry Clay Frick in 1919. Attractions include The Frick Environmental Center, Clay tennis courts, The Blue Slide Playground and Nine Mile Run. Miles of walking and bike trails as well as several long-standing sport clubs (including lawn bowling) are open to new members. 

Emerald View Park

Emerald View Park atop Mt. Washington is the only park in the world that can boast awards as one of the top views in the world. The park features a long network of walking trails that connect several smaller public spaces. 

Mike Carlin, Executive Director of Mt. Washington Community Development boasts that you would not know you are in the middle of a major metropolitan city” when you walk the trails.” 

The path has several entrance points on its loop and includes Olympia Park, Grandview Park and the iconic Grandview Avenue with the observation decks. It winds to the Point of View statue of George Washington and Chief Guyasuta. 

Mr. Carlin notes that Grandview Avenue is the half-way point and “You can stop for food and take a rest before tackling the rest. With several entrance points, “the trail is very user friendly, you can complete the three mile loop in 90 minutes if you want.”

The city also maintains 300 acres of community parks, including North Shore Riverfront,, Point State Park, the restored Allegheny Commons Park and Mellon Park—home of the famous tennis bubble. Each park has dynamic character and features that make it unique to the neighborhoods that they serve. 

The Citipark system is host to a summer jazz series, a summer movie series and several arts festivals. Visit this link for a complete rundown of activities and information. 

Allegheny County Parks

Casting a wider net, Allegheny County is home to nine parks (North Park, Boyce Park, South Park, Deer Lakes Park, Harrison Hills Park, Settlers Cabin Park, Round Hill Park, White Oak Park, and Hartwood Acres) These parks are filled with amenities including including summer concerts, drive-in movies, horseback riding, skiing, ice-skating fishing and even stargazing.

With free parking, budget-friendly activities (free) and events and the ability to bring your own food it stands as a great way to connect with family and friends. Gather a group, make a plan, and visit a different park every week. It’s time well spent.