The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is branching out, working to improve community parks throughout the city of Pittsburgh.  Two of our upcoming projects--in Beltzhoover's McKinley Park and the Hill District's Cliffside Park--have been awarded $500,000 in state funding thanks to support from State Representative Jake Wheatley.  Community meetings are being held to determine a plan of action for projects in these parks. 

You can contribute to these projects by clicking here.  More information is below.  Click here to see photo galleries.

Cliffside Park
This playground on Cliff Street features a striking view of the Allegheny River and the Strip District that has been compromised by lack of maintenance.  Restoring the play space as well as the surrounding area will take advantage of the location’s potential and reintegrate it into the rich outdoor life of the neighborhood.  Cliffside Park is envisioned as a community gathering space that encourages young children’s physical and social development and strengthens their connection to nature.

The project in Cliffside Park will also continue an already-ongoing effort to add vegetation to surrounding streets like Cliff St., Monaca Place, and Bedford Avenue, reinforcing the park’s connection to the wooded areas of the Hill.  A new entrance wall would incorporate lighting and plantings.  Views both into the park and from its vantage point would be improved through removal of debris and invasive species, selective pruning, installation of properly sized slope plantings, and refurbishment of fencing.

McKinley Park
This 63-acre community park spanning the Beltzhoover neighborhood offers recreational fields, a skate park, and a system of wooded trails.  Historic stone entryways that once welcomed visitors to McKinley Park are deteriorating, and residents from surrounding neighborhoods are seeking to re-establish connections throughout the park.  A pilot project is expected to restore one of the stone entryways, including the stairs, surrounding landscaping, and a nearby trail segment.   

We’re excited to work with the City of Pittsburgh, Representative Wheatley, and City Council members Bruce Kraus, Daniel Lavelle, and Natalia Rudiak to bring much-needed funds to these vital community parks.  Make your gift today and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to double your contribution at www.pittsburghparks.org/donate.