Pittsburgh’s Fifth Great Regional Park Gets More Acreage
The Pittsburgh City Council voted unanimously on March 14, 2006, to incorporate an additional 16 critical acres of open space into the Grandview Scenic Byway Park. With this action, the Grandview Scenic Byway Park now comprises nearly 264 acres and joins the ranks of Frick Park and Schenley Park as Pittsburgh’s fifth great regional park.
“This amazing result is a product of the long and hard work of the Mt. Washington CDC, the Pittsburgh Hillside Committee that ALT served on, and the Physical and Ecological Investigation of Pittsburgh’s Hillsides report that also lead to City Council adopting a Steep Slope Overlay Ordinance in December. Congratulations to Pittsburgh City Council for taking the bold steps necessary to create Pittsburgh’s fifth park which will serve the region for generations with recreational, scenic, economic and environmental benefits.” — |
Council’s action adds to the acreage of open space encircling Mt. Washington that had already been declared a new City Park on December 13, 2005, by unanimous vote of Council. These 16 acres were critical parcels of steep, landslide-prone wooded slopes once considered for housing development.
The Grand View Scenic Byway Park completely encircles Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights from Grandview Park on the east, across the face of the Mount, to the Duquesne Heights Greenway, Olympia Park and Mt. Washington Park on the back side of the mountain. Until consolidated into a park, this land had been a loose assortment of greenways, forested hillsides, neglected parcels, existing smaller parks and playing fields.
The 16 acres just added, along with the previous acreage, will be the focus of dramatic improvements that will enhance the beauty of these natural settings as well as offer unique recreational opportunities.
Councilman Dan Deasy expressed confidence that this park will have a significant impact on Pittsburgh residents now and in the future, “All of our beautiful City parks were created because of people with vision who understood how important parks are for the present and future generations of Pittsburgh. With the creation of the Grandview Scenic Byway Park, we are showing a similar vision and dedication for future generations,” said Deasy.
The Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC) has an agreement with the City of Pittsburgh to provide co-stewardship and planning for the new park. The MWCDC is currently working with area foundations, corporate and government sources for funding to restore and improve the natural habitat, create recreational opportunities and improve the visitor experience.
“This has been the culmination of seven years of effort by residents, foundations, environmental experts and the city to create a vision for this park. And we’re thrilled to see it taking shape,” said Lynne Squilla, President of the Board for the MWCDC. “We thank City Council, particularly Councilman Deasy, and both Mayor Murphy and Mayor O’Connor for supporting this park. Now begins the real work of making this a beautiful, attractive and beneficial asset to our entire community, city and region now and for years to come.”
MWCDC is a non-profit organization of the Mt. Washington/Duquesne Heights community created to balance area development, highlight natural and historic features and enhance the well-being of the people who work, reside and visit here.