2. Blog

So when will the Fountain be back on?

2012-05-23T12:17:01+00:00

{summary} MAY 17, 2012---With the sun shining against a bright blue sky and Point State Park brimming with sunbathers, cyclists and dog walkers, Riverlife teamed up with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to announce some big news: the Point State Park fountain reconstruction is headed into the home stretch. That's exciting news: by spring of 2013, the iconic fountain at the tip of the Pittsburgh pennisula will be up and running, featuring an impressive facelift as the final phase in the top-to-bottom reconstruction of Point State Park. We invited the news media to don hardhats for a behind-the-scenes tour of the fountain construction site, offering a glimpse at the massive historic renovation underway. And what a sight it is: the enormous granite basin of the fountain--200 feet in diameter--has been cleaned, the black grime scrubbed away to reveal the beautiful sparkling stone underneath. Construction workers and masons were busy hand-laying stone block around the outer fountain plaza while new electrical conduit was buried to provide the power that will keep the upgraded electrical systems flowing. Restoration and improvements to the pump house and bath house buildings that flank the fountain were in full swing, and the outline of a circular disappearing waterfall edge in the center of the basin gave a hint at one of the beautiful new features in store for the fountain site. Thanks to a mild winter, the construction is slightly ahead of schedule--and we know that's good news to the thousands of Pittsburghers who eagerly await the fountain's return. You can be certain that the dedication ceremony for the new fountain will make quite a splash in 2013. To tide you over in the interim, here are some fun facts about the Point State Park fountain: The central water column of the new Fountain will continue to operate at around 150-200 feet. The renovated Fountain will feature a raised fountain base, more accessible seating, a cascade waterfall, all new stone paving surfaces, new plumbing and new lighting. The majestic fountain at the headwaters of the Ohio River was dedicated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on August 30, 1974, marking the completion of the 36-acre Point State Park which was 29 years in planning and construction. The fountain is operated daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weather permitting, during the spring, summer and fall seasons. When the fountain is in operation, there are over 800,000 gallons of water in the system. Three 250 hp pumps operate the main column of the fountain which reaches to 100 feet high. Three 75 hp pumps operate the three fan design water features known as peacock tails which symbolize the three rivers. Lighting around the fountain enhances the grandeur of this best known feature of the park. The circular basin of the fountain is 200 feet in diameter and the water within the fountain is re-circulated. Water to replace the amount lost during fountain operations is obtained from a 54-foot deep well that penetrates sands and gravels under the park. These sands and gravels are below the groundwater table and are saturated with water that infiltrates from the adjoining rivers. Check out some of the media coverage of the fountain press conference: "Hope springs for the Point State Park fountain," Pittsburgh Post Gazette "Point State Park fountain's return in sight," Tribune Review "Point State Park fountain getting closer to return," WTAE / Sally Wiggin (video) Photos, top to bottom: (1) Workers lay each individual stone by hand along the Allegheny River side of the fountain plaza. (2) Riverlife president Lisa Schroeder announces the home stretch of fountain construction during a press conference at the Fort Pitt Museum overlooking Point State Park. (3) Engineers and park rangers from DCNR lead the media into the hardhat zone of the construction area overlooking the fountain basin.

Punk rock planning along the Allegheny Riverfront?

2012-04-20T11:54:43+00:00

{summary} Should I stay or should I go now? Those are famous lyrics from seminal punk band The Clash from their 1981 song of the same name. Though I doubt band members Joe Strummer and Mick Jones were talking about urban design when they wrote the tune (though you never know), the question is a good one. Ask it when you think about how it applies to Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Should I stay or should I go now? Basically, should urban riverfronts be corridors for “going”, for transportation, for biking, walking, and skating, for moving from point A to point B? Or should they be destinations where people stay and relax, literally stopping to smell the roses in a landscaped park by the water’s edge, in no hurry to move along? At Riverlife we feel that the answer is a little bit of the former and a little bit of the latter, with healthy doses of top-notch planning and design thrown in to meet both objectives. Since 1999 we’ve been working to build Three Rivers Park, downtown Pittsburgh’s interconnected riverfront park system. Three Rivers Park is 80% complete and over 13 miles long. With so many miles of riverfront there are ample opportunities for trails and greenways that move users from one place to another. Just as importantly, there are numerous lovely, interesting spots to stop at along the way. We think that a successful urban riverfront draws people to the river and makes them want to stay near the water as long as possible. Whether that’s on a bicycle, sitting on a picnic blanket or holding a fishing pole, people should want to go to the rivers and have easy and enjoyable time getting there. Continue reading on the Allegheny RIverfront Green Boulevard blog

Students tackle trash and invasive weeds along the riverfronts

2012-04-16T13:27:53+00:00

{summary} A hearty thanks to the 20 student volunteers from Point Park University who volunteered their time on Saturday, April 14th to tackle weeds and litter in Point State Park and the Mon Wharf Landing! The students teamed up with staff from Riverlife and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to identify and eradicate invasive weeds in the Point State Park woodlands. Several hours and dozens of full trash bags later, the volunteers did a sweep of the Mon Wharf Landing, picking up litter and debris on their way back to campus. The cleanup activities were part of Point Park's Pioneer Day of volunteerism. Riverlife applauds Point Park for fostering a spirit of community service and stewardship for Pittsburgh's riverfront parks. Check out photos of the students in action at our Facebook page.

Keep it spicy: why good riverfront design matters

2012-04-09T09:44:10+00:00

{summary} Whenever I ride my bike along the Pittsburgh riverfronts, I am reminded of the famous quote by Thomas Jefferson: "How wonderful are the rivers in Pittsburgh and how I long to stroll alongside them." I am kidding; he didn't really say that. However, I am confident that he would if he were alive today. We know that Pittsburgh's rivers are one of the trademark characteristics of our city. Pittsburgh deserves great waterfront edges to accompany our rivers. When I travel to Salt Lake City on business I am reminded of what we have at home in Pittsburgh. Interestingly, over many years of visits, I have never been close to the edge of the Great Salt Lake. The very resource that gives the city its name is only a distant blue stripe (and quite a beautiful one) from a few key vantage points. By contrast, our rivers are much closer to home - Pittsburgh waterfront is already integral to the city’s design. As we work through new projects along Pittsburgh's wonderful rivers, there are three design criteria that we should keep in mind to build upon our strengths: KEEP IT SPICY Monotonous design attracts little attention. Although we do consider the Pittsburgh river edges as just 'one' park, we should insist that individual places maintain a good spicy variety. Just as the rivers themselves vary according to location and topography, each pathway, lookout, and park, should be a unique and interesting experience. GETTING THERE SHOULD BE HALF THE FUN At one point in the movie "Blazing Saddles" the sheriff strolls on his horse toward a western main street. But instead of the backs of actual buildings, we are seeing the back of movie set facades. The conceit is indeed funny, but the scene is also a serious lesson in urban design. Effective development cannot just be a pretty facade but must connect and integrate into its surroundings. Pittsburgh's river edges are at the heart of the city. Very few people actually live on the river; but many travel to the river edge. The approach to the river should be as enjoyable as the time spent along the river itself. Imagine a network of attractive riverfront connections spread across the urban grid: each neighborhood with several appealing ways to reach the river. When people can easily access the river, they will us the space along side it. In addition, living space and office space that 'feels' close to the river and part of the river experience would undoubtedly benefit from its design. ALL EYES ON THE RIVER You never feel lonely strolling about the streets and parks of Paris. Around you are open windows and balconies on human-scaled buildings. Even if you don't see people in the buildings, it feels like there are people inside. Something that we have learned from our affordable housing work is that the idea of "all eyes on the street" is not just critical to improving the safety of a challenged neighborhood - it is critical to the design of ALL places. Generally, Pittsburgh river edges are very safe. However, they will feel even safer and more comfortable if, where appropriate, new development shapes the edge - meaning that buildings facing the river should be active with balconies, windows, and porches. The presence of people and suitably scaled architectural elements will make for a lively and very safe riverfront. Here in Pittsburgh, as we transition from using our rivers as an industrial resource (a back door) to a community resource (a front door), it is important that we design these spaces correctly. I am sure Jefferson would agree that Pittsburgh is worth the investment! Eric Osth, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal at Urban Design Associates (UDA) and member of Riverlife's Planning and Design Committee. Prior to joining UDA, Eric worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, where he worked on projects in California and China. Eric served as the 2011 President of AIA Pittsburgh, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Generally, Eric really likes shoreline. Prior to moving to Pittsburgh, he never lived more that a few blocks of a waterfront. Riverfront Photos: (Top) The water steps at Pittsburgh's North Shore, photo courtesy Urban Design Associates; (Bottom) Paris promenade by Vince Mig

Public meeting for Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard

2012-02-24T19:16:06+00:00

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The future of the Allegheny riverfront: What would you like to see in your neighborhood?

2012-01-06T20:28:03+00:00

{summary} What do you love about Lawrenceville? What's sweet in the Strip District? How do you prefer to get from your favorite riverside picnic spot upriver to your favorite bike trail downriver? You may have heard about the exciting planning that's happening along Pittsburgh's Allegheny Riverfront. This 6.45-mile stretch of urban riverfront starts Downtown at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and extends upriver through a lot of Pittsburgh's most exciting neighborhoods: the Strip District, Lawrenceville, Morningside, Highland Park and beyond. The potential is huge! Formally called The Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard, this planning process is an initiative of the City of Pittsburgh that advances the Allegheny riverfront and its adjacent neighborhoods, defining and enhancing Pittsburgh's riverfront communities as top-notch places to live, work and visit. The planning process will lay the ground (pun intended) for an interconnected riverfront system of trails, parks, housing, retail, and transportation, while using landscape design and new technology to manage stormwater runoff and strengthen riverfront habitats. We're pretty excited about the possibilities, and hope you are too whether you live in one of these communities or enjoy visiting them. Riverlife is proud to be a partner in the Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard with the City, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Allegheny Valley Railroad. But we can't do much planning without your input! Your participation in this process is vital. Even better, it's extremely easy to help out. Visit this nifty online interactive game and give it a try. The game shows a map of Pittsburgh's Allegheny riverfront neighborhoods and asks you to place markers in different areas to show how you use those neighborhoods. Most importantly, it asks what you'd like to see there in the future. Maybe you've always thought that a waterfront dog park would be a perfect fit for your neighborhood. Maybe you're hankering for more restaurants near the water. Or perhaps you have intriguing ideas about creating bike trail connections or light rail stations. We want to hear all about it! Go to the online game now and give us your feedback. Thanks for taking part in the shaping of Pittsburgh's Allegheny riverfront. Oh, and stay connected to the project by "liking" the Facebook page for the Green Boulevard!

Riverlife’s 2011 Year in Review

2011-12-19T13:22:09+00:00

{summary} It's that time of year when you look back over the past 12 months and take stock of all the positive things that have happened. You can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and humility to all those who have helped along the way--and also excitement/nervousness about the challenges ahead in the new year. If you biked, walked or jogged along Pittsburgh's downtown riverfronts this year, you know that 2011 saw some significant changes as Riverlife continues our work building Three Rivers Park, Pittsburgh's 13-mile interconnected riverfront park system. New trail connections were made or improved. Public green spaces were reopened after significant renovations. New amenities popped up in parks. And not even Batman and Tom Cruise could stay away from Pittsburgh's lovely rivers and bridges this year. Thanks to the efforts of many people throughout the city, Three Rivers Park moves even closer toward completion, and it's terrific to see Pittsburgh receive recognition (like this, this and this) for its beautiful transformation and the high quality of life for its residents. That's not to say there haven't been challenges along the way, and there will be plenty in 2012. Funding for infrastructure, trail and park projects is tight, especially in a tough economy. Establishing long-term solutions for the care and maintenance of our riverfront parks is absolutely essential. With more trail users every year, we are working to minimize inconvenience during construction and/or maintenance. And we continue to strive for the very best in environmental practice, whether it's managing stormwater runoff through landscape design, eliminating combined sewer overflows by creating natural biofilters, or restoring natural riverfront habitats that have been depleted in the past. Here's a look back at some of the big changes that happened throughout Three Rivers Park in 2011. South Shore Riverfront Park takes shape In March, Riverlife teamed up with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and the associates of American Eagle Outfitters to host a preview tour of the new South Shore Riverfront Park at SouthSide Works. Though it was chilly enough to warrant hats, coats and gloves for the outdoor event, the sun was shining and one thing was clear: South Shore Riverfront Park will be a very exciting new public park when it opens in 2012. The 3.2 acre park will create an important trail link along the Mon River, connecting South Side residents and visitors to the trail network and riverfront access. It'll also be a dynamic space for events and concerts. Oxford Development began construction of a new hotel on the park, joining American Eagle Outfitters and the Hofbrauhaus restaurant in bringing new life to the rivers. Thanks to American Eagle for their $50,000 contribution to the development of the Park and to the City, the Urban Redevelopment Authority for their ongoing stewardship of the project and to the South Side Local Development Co. and the Soffer Organization for their collaboration on the project. SEA cuts the ribbon on new Convention Center Riverfront Plaza May brought the completion and opening of the beautiful new riverfront plaza at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The Sports and Exhibition Authority welcomed elected officials from throughout the region to cut the ribbon on the Plaza, an important riverfront park that connects the Allegheny Riverfront Park in the Cultural District with the exisiting trail in the Strip District while also creating a new water landing for boats. The project spans 1,300 feet of riverfront and includes a 3,000 sq. ft. public event plaza and an elevated walkway, and a new handicap accessible connection is provided from Fort Duquesne Boulevard. Another bonus: now when you walk down the winding pathing along the water feature that runs underneath the Convention Center, you have a wonderful destination awaiting instead of a barrier preventing you from reaching the river. Congratulations to the SEA for sheparding this challenging and exciting project to completion. Point State Park promenades finish reconstruction and open to the public The top-to-bottom reconstruction of Point State Park reached several significant milestones this year, including the reopoening of the newly refurbished riverfront promenades along the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in June. With each new improvement, park attendance continues to rise. Take a walk along the river to admire the new water landings, amphitheaters and the hand-laid granite edges restored by skilled masons. Thanks to our friends at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their partnership in the project, and Pressley Associates for their beautiful design of the promenades. Cafe at the Point, a gift from the employees of PNC, opens for business in Point State Park In September, the employees of PNC partnered with Riverlife and DCNR to open Point State Park's first-ever cafe on the perimeter of the City Side Lawn. Now not only can hungry visitors order Mediterranean and American fare while enjoying the Park, they can also learn about the history of the site through interpretive elements on the walls and tables of the Cafe. It's also a green building that will seek LEED certifcation. Image courtesy Pfaffmann + Associates. Construction begins on the Fountain After years of constant use, the famous Fountain at Point State Park was deteriorated and broken. In November construction began on a total renovation of this Pittsburgh icon, the final phase of the reconstruction of Point State Park. Along with raising the plaza that surrounds the Fountain basin, a waterfall and a disappearing edge will be added as well as new lighting and improvements for ADA accessibility. The renovations at Point State Park are overseen by the state, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and Riverlife, and the Fountain construction is expected to be complete by late 2012 or early 2013. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the hundreds of Friends of the Fountain that came together to contribute to the repairs and renovation of this symbol of Pittsburgh strength. Allegheny Riverfront, full steam ahead Fresh from receiving $1.5 million in Sustainable Communities federal funding in 2010, the Allegheny Green Boulevard continues to move forward at an exciting pace. Public planning meetings in 2011 brought together neighbors from the Strip District, Lawrenceville and other communities along this six mile stretch of urban riverfront, and residents weighed in on plans to determine Allegheny riverfront park access, environmental components to riverfront planning, open space programming, neighborhood design, and the types of transportation modes that will be options for Pittsburghers for many decades to come. Do you live, work or play in one of the neighborhoods along the Allegheny Riverfront? Check out this interactive site and give your thoughts about how and where improvements should take place. Mon Wharf Switchback receives $100K from RAD, moves closer to construction The year ended with more positive news for trail users: Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) approved a 2012 budget that included $100K over two years for construction of the Mon Wharf Switchback, an ADA-accessible bike/pedestrian ramp that will connect the historic Smithfield Street Bridge down to the Mon Wharf Landing linear park. While Riverlife continues to raise the final $1 million to fully fund the project, permitting, structural engineering and design continue to move forward as the Switchback becomes a reality. Thanks to our friends at Allegheny Land Trust for their leadership in advancing this project as a critical link in our regional trail system. Three Rivers Park trail markers The year wraps up with the installation of new bronze mile markers along 22 miles of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Riverlife and Friends of the Riverfront teamed up to provide this system of trail location indentifcation for users traveling along various segments of trail in relation to the Point. Installation of the new markers is expected to be completed by mid December. Again, thanks to all our partners who have worked with us to make these projects a reality. Tthere are too many of you to name here, but you know who you are, and thanks to everyone who has donated their time, money and resources to Riverlife over the past year. We simply couldn't continue to advocate for world-class riverfronts without your support. As for 2012? Next year brings a host of projects: a must-see lagoon located near the headwaters of the Ohio River, a new marina at South Side Works, exciting changes at Station Square that will create new opportunities for sporting, recreation and relaxation, and new urban riverfront landscapes in the Strip District and Lawrenceville. Let's raise a glass to Pittsburgh's riverfront transformation, and look forward to a new year full of promise and potential. Happy holidays, The Riverlife team

We want to see your old Pittsburgh riverfront photos!

2011-11-09T17:23:24+00:00

{summary} How about 20 or 30 years back? Do you have old photos that show "the way things were"? Riverlife would like to see your photos! We may even archive them and use them on the Riverlife website or e-newsletter to show how the city of Pittsburgh has changed. Please scan your photos into a digital format with a print resolution of 300 dpi and post them on our Flickr page. If you need assistance doing this, please email Stephan Bontrager, Communications Director at stephan(at)riverlifepgh.org. Let us know if you're the photographer and if you give us permission to reuse or reprint your photos for noncommercial purposes. Thanks for helping us tell the story of Pittsburgh's continuing riverfront transformation!

Photos from Riverlife’s Party at the Pier 2011

2011-10-03T13:59:39+00:00

{summary} Riverlife's Party at the Pier 2011 is a wrap! Thanks to the many guests, volunteers, sponsors and host comittee members who attended the swank soiree on Friday, September 30th in support of Riverlife's mission to reclaim, restore and promote Pittsburgh's downtown riverfronts. Check out photos from the event by the talented Larry Rippel! Donate to Riverlife on October 4th at PittsburghGives.org and have part of your donation matched by The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Point State Park promenades are open

2011-06-15T11:43:47+00:00

{summary} June 2011 PITTSBURGH--Visitors to Point State Park this summer may be pleasantly surprised to find Point State Park's riverfront promenades are now open to the public. After getting a top-to-bottom makeover as part of the massive Point State Park renovation currently underway, the promenades along the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers look better than ever. The refurbished promenades join the new Convention Center Riverfront Plaza and the exisitng Allegheny Riverfront Park in the Cultural District to create a beautiful continous riverfront experience along the Allegheny. With these portions of Three Rivers Park now open, you can walk, bike and skate all the way from the Strip District to Point State Park. Check out Riverlife's photo gallery of the Point State Park promenades and other riverfront developments. All Images Copyright Riverlife 2011.