Thousands of Pittsburghers enjoy the 380-acre Highland Park, where they can swim, jog around a stunning reservoir or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.
The parkland was originally owned by Alexander Negley, who settled in the East Liberty Valley in the late 1700s. Negley's property was a 300-acre farm on the banks of the Allegheny River, but it was later expanded by his son, Jacob Negley. During the 19th century, Jacob and his descendants sold off portions of the land to farmers. A large, 140-year-old farmhouse, which has been used as a park office and summer campsite, still stands.
The park was originally designed for more practical purposes. In 1879, Pittsburgh city fathers chose the site for a reservoir to provide drinking water to the city. The reservoir became a destination for residents looking for open space and officially opened
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