Pittsburgh looks to designate 6 new city parks

Pittsburgh could be gaining six new parks, if a measure to designate several greenways and adjacent vacant properties as city park space is approved.

The proposal would take six greenways — areas of “permanent, passive open space” meant to benefit nearby neighborhoods — and vacant properties near them, and designate them as the city’s newest parks.

If approved, the properties would become six new parks in the Department of Public Works and Department of Parks and Recreation system. The initiative would create more than 300 acres of new park space in several Pittsburgh neighborhoods, including Allentown, Beechview, Brookline, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hazelwood, the Hill District, Mount Washington, Overbrook, Polish Hill and South Side Slopes.

“We are dedicated to building a system of parks and greenways that advance stewardship, equity and our economy,” Mayor Bill Peduto said. “This legislation provides Pittsburghers with access to natural and historic assets, places to play and celebrate and opportunities to be active and healthy.”

The new parks align with the city’s OpenSpacePGH plan, which serves as Pittsburgh’s parks and recreation guidelines, to capitalize on the city’s diverse natural and cultural resources and enhance the city’s relationship with nature.

The measure also moves the city one step closer to its goal of increasing the number of city residents who live within half a mile — or about a 10-minute walk — from a CitiPark.

Among the greenways set to become parks is Seldom Seen Greenway in Beechview. It’s one of three greenways slated to become parks in City Councilman Anthony Coghill’s district.

“These are about getting in touch with nature for everybody,” Coghill said.

He hired Allegheny Cleanways to assist in his efforts to clean Seldom Seen Greenway Sunday. The Allegheny Cleanways team removed more than 300 tires, plus refrigerators and other litter.

Designating the greenway as a park, he said, would make it easier to continue such efforts. Park tax funds could be used to clean Seldom Seen — where he’s planning to continue clean-up efforts — and the other proposed parks in his district, Coghill said.

The official park designation could also raise awareness that there were such places for outdoor recreation within those neighborhoods, he said.

The three proposed parks in his district — parks in Beechview, Overbrook and Brookline — would remain dedicated to natural green space, he said. There are no plans for playground equipment or ball fields, he said, but rather an emphasis on cleaning them up, stabilizing their trails and improving access points.

Specific details for all of the parks have not yet been unveiled, though the legislation says they will be dedicated to expanding natural areas and open spaces “to create a comprehensive network that includes a better balance of landscapes” and preserving “Pittsburgh’s character-defining hillsides, views and scenic resources.”

City Council will likely hold a preliminary vote on the measure next week, with a final vote the following week.