Pittsburgh Information on Parks and Recreation
When you think of a city, what comes to mind are usually the imposing
steel skyscrapers, concrete canyons, and the hustle and bustle of an urban
setting. However, when it comes to Pittsburgh, you may want to think
again. While Pittsburgh may have its share of impressive edifices and busy
city streets, it also has an abundance of parks and recreation facilities
where residents can refresh themselves amid the beauty of nature.
Point State Park
Point
State Park
At the heart of Pittsburgh is a beautiful park.
Point State Park is located at the tip of the Golden
Triangle, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers
meet to form the Ohio. Although called the Golden
Triangle, it could easily be called the 'Green
Triangle,' since it is a 36-acre grass and tree-lined
space. The only state park in Allegheny County, Point
State is where everyone meets to have fun, to celebrate,
and to admire the city's beautiful vista.
Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark and was once the site of
the first settlements in the area: Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt. Remains and
outlines of the old forts can still be seen, but the crown jewel of the park
is the 150-foot fountain, which draws its water from a fourth, underground
river. The Pittsburgh Marathon, Great Race, and Three Rivers Arts Festival
are held near the park, and each Fourth of July thousands flock to the point
to enjoy one of the country's most spectacular fireworks displays.
Frick Park
Frick Park
The largest park in Pittsburgh is Frick Park,
sprawling across 600 acres. In addition to biking and
walking trails, the park is home to Pennsylvania's only
public lawn bowling course. Frick Park was established
after the death of industrialist Henry Clay Frick.
Schenley Park & Schenley Plaza
Schenley
Park
Schenley Plaza
Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood has a rich variety of
recreational spaces.
Schenley Park offers numerous sports facilities and
is home to Phipps Conservancy and Botanical Gardens, one
of the largest botanical gardens in the country.
Flagstaff Hill is another popular park venue. On warm
summer nights crowds gather there for movies under the
stars.
Also in Oakland is Schenley Plaza: a green sward
nestled between the Carnegie and Hillman Libraries and
across from the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of
Learning. Schenley Plaza is a respite from the hustle
and bustle of this cultural and educational center. The
PNC Carousel in the park is a delight for children.
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Highland Park
Highland Park
Not far from Oakland is Highland Park. This city
park features a Victorian Entry Garden, a formal garden
leading the way to the Highland Park reservoir, and a
popular walking trail. Nearby is the Pittsburgh Zoo and
PPG Aquarium.
Riverview Park
Riverview Park
Riverview Park, on the city's North Side, is a 287
acre park. Riverview actually predates the City of
Pittsburgh. Originally a part of Allegheny City, the
city and its park were annexed to the City of Pittsburgh
in 1907. The park is noted for its steep terrain and
wooded trails that entice, hikers, joggers, and the
occasional horseback rider. It is also home to the
Allegheny Observatory. Prominent businessmen and
astronomy enthusiasts built the observatory in the
1850s. At one time it housed the third largest
telescope in the world. Today, the University of
Pittsburgh runs the observatory and periodically offers
tours.
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Recreational Paradise
With three rivers and many lakes nearby it is no wonder water recreation
is so popular. Boats, jet skis and kayakers enjoy an abundance of
opportunities for spending a day on the water. The Dragon Boat Festival and
Head of the Ohio Regatta celebrate the beauty and magnificence of the
region's rivers.
Pittsburgh is an angler's paradise too. In 2005, The Bassmaster Classic
fishing tournament was held in Pittsburgh. Fisherman from 22 states
traveled to the area to try their luck at landing the biggest bass. Whether
it's fishing in a stream, lake or on the river, you're guaranteed to catch
your limit of fun, if not of fish.
Rails to Trails
Rails to Trails
The City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have
cooperated with the Rails to Trails program, converting
former rail lines in to bike trails. Trails course
through downtown Pittsburgh, as well as its suburban and
rural areas. When the Great Allegheny Passage is
completed, cyclists will be able to pedal 318 miles from
Pittsburgh to the nation's capital. Hikers are also
welcomed on the trail.
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Allegheny County Parks
Allegheny County Parks
Nine county parks ring the City of Pittsburgh.
Comprised of 12,000 acres, the Allegheny County Park
system welcomes 11 million visitors annually. No county
resident is more than a 20 or 30 minute drive from a
park. The county parks offer every sort of recreation
imaginable from animal farms at Round Hill Park to
off-leash dog areas in White Oak Park.
North Park
North Park - One of the largest
county parks is North Park. Situated in the heart of
the North Hills of Allegheny County, North Park has a
72-acre lake and is the largest man-made body of water
in the county. The park also has a golf course, ice
skating rink, swimming pool, nature center, and wildlife
reserve.
South Park
South Park - South Park in the
South Hills has a BMX Track, golf course, ice skating
rink and wave pool. Boyce Park in the eastern portion
of Allegheny County has snowboarding, snow tubing, and
downhill skiing, and in the summer the wave pool and 3
B's Action Park for boarders, bikers and bladers are the
places to be.
Hartwood Acres
Hartwood Acres - At 629 acres,
Hartwood is located in Hampton and Indiana Townships.
It is home to the Hartwood Mansion, which offers guided
tours. Horse, cross-country skiing, walking and hiking
trails abound. Hartwood Acres is also the site of the
Family House Polo Match and the Celebration of Lights, a
holiday lights spectacular. Hartwood Acres and South
Park host the county's Summer Concert Series.
Deer Lakes Park
Deer Lakes Park is the home of the
Wagman Observatory, where
stargazers gather for Star Parties and take in the
beauty of the night sky. It also boasts an 18-hole
'disc golf' course.
Settlers Cabin Park
Settlers Cabin Park in the western
part of the county has the most-used of the county's
three wave pools. It also features the county's only
diving pool, complete with underwater windows.
Pittsburgh embodies the best of both worlds; it is a
vibrant metropolis while at the same time its parks and
recreation facilities offer serenity and the opportunity
to dwell in the beauty of Mother Nature.
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