Category Archives: Parks

TUESDAY – City Planning Hosts Community Meeting on Enright Park

Sorry for the last minute post, but just learned about this meeting and wanted to help spread the word. One of the more interesting discussions about public space in the East End over the past few months has been around the future of the Enright Parklet. A small public park located in East Liberty. Google maps shows that Enright Parklet is in the middle of the Penn Plaza green space, from the street, I am not sure if this space looks very green, so it would be easy to miss this little park if you were just driving down Penn Avenue.

Tonight, Tuesday, February 23, 2016, the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning will host a community meeting on the Enright Park.

Facebook Event for Enright Park Community Meeting: http://on.fb.me/21dt2OF.

Read more about the community meeting the Post-Gazette here.

For more information on Enright Park check out EnrightPark.org, Save Enright Park on Facebook and follow @EnrightPark on Twitter.

Guide to Pittsburgh public pools: hours, cost, locations, rules

UPDATE 6/2019 – Please visit Very Local Pittsburgh for an updated pool guide for 2019.

Image courtesy of Citiparks.

All 18 Pittsburgh city pools are officially open for the summer, until September 2! Check the Citiparks website to make sure your local pool is open for the day.

While none of the locations provide refreshments, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no alcohol).

Don’t forget to check out the water carnivals, hosted by a different pool every few days in July. Basically an open pool party for the neighborhood, the carnivals feature unique themes, fun games, raffle prizes, and free food and drinks (normal admission prices apply).

Hours

Mondays – Fridays, 1:00- 7:45 p.m
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays, 1:00- 5:45 p.m.

Adult Lap Swim:
For individuals 16 years old and older.

Mondays – Fridays, 5-6 p.m.
Every pool

Mondays – Fridays, Noon – 1 p.m.
Highland, Moore, Schenley and Sue Murray

Saturdays – Sundays, Noon – 1 p.m.
Bloomfield, Highland, Jack Stack, Magee, Moore, Ormsby, Phillips, Ream, Riverview, Schenley, Sue Murray, West Penn and Westwood

Family swim:
Any individual under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.

Monday- Friday 5pm-close
Every pool

Cost
Payable by cash, check, or money order only.

Year-long pool passes
Year-long (June-June) pool passes can be purchased at outdoor pools (except Ammon) during operating hours, or at the Citiparks Office on the fourth floor of the City-County building (414 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh).

City of Pittsburgh residents (proof required)

Family of four: $60; each additional family member: $10
Adult (16 years old and older): $30
Youth (3-15 years old): $15
Kids (2 and under): free

Free pool tags are available for City residents who are disabled veterans, plus families of active duty military and activated reservist/guard members. Proper ID is required.

City of Pittsburgh residents who receive welfare benefits can buy tags at a 50% discount. A case print-out and proof of identity are required to receive the discount.

Non-City of Pittsburgh residents

Adult or youth: $45

Daily pool pass

Adult (16 years old and older): $4
Youth (3-15 years old): $3

Locations

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East/Central

Ammon (Hill District)
2217 Bedford Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-255-2627

One of the biggest pools in Pittsburgh, they get a lot of camps during the day but quiet down after about 4pm.
Water carnival: July 23

Bloomfield
408 Ella Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
412-622-6956

Water carnival: July 9

Highland Park -good for families -one of biggest
151 Lake Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-665-3637

With a kiddie pool and a mushroom spray fountain, plus handicap accesible features, this pool is great for families. It’s also one of the biggest and busiest in Pittsburgh and has sand volleyball courts
Water carnival: July 13

Homewood
540 N. Lang Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-244-4186

Another pool that gets a good amount of camps during the day but is very quiet in the evenings.
Water carnival: July 2

Magee (Greenfield)
745 Greenfield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-4265

Known for having one of the best swim teams in the program, this pool next to the recreation center gets decent crowds.
Water carnival: July 9

Schenley Park
1 Overlook Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-422-4266

One of busiest, this pool is favored by the college-aged and young adult crowd, with not a lot of kids swimming here. It is a walk-in pool though, which is great for kids and new/apprehensive swimmers.
Water carnival: July 13

West Penn (Polish Hill)
450 30th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-622-6908

Water carnival: July 20

North

Jack Stack (Brighton Heights)
600 Brighton Woods Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-766-4577

This newer walk-in pool (great for kids and different swim levels) also has a smaller kiddie pool.
Water carnival: July 4

Riverview (Perry North)
400 Riverview Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
412-323-7223

Water carnival: August 6

Sue Murray (North Side)
301 Cedar Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-323-7914

Although it gets busy with camps during the day, this walk-in pool with slides is much more quiet in the evenings. It’s also handicap accessible with a lift chair.
Water carnival: July 6

South/West

Banksville
1461 Crane Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
412-571-3231

A great (yet quiet) pool for families, this facility has a kiddie pool and fountain, baseball fields, playgrounds, an attached pavilion available for rent, and a brand new deck hockey rink sponsored by the Penguins.
Water carnival: July 11

McBride (Lincoln Place) – good for families
1785 McBride Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15207
412-476-1311

This pool is handicap accessible.
Water carnival: July 23

Moore (Brookline)
1801 Pioneer Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
412-571-3223

A big, popular walk-in pool, there’s slides onsite and a large shallow area that’s good for kids.
Water carnival: July 16

Ormsby (South Side)
79 S. 22nd Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-488-8377

This pool gets crowded with a wide variety of people, from teens to families to random passersby, and is right on the busline.
Water carnival: July 27

Phillips (Carrick) -good for families
201 Parkfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
412-885-7498

This quiet, mostly neighborhood pool has a spray pad for kids not quite ready for the actual pools, making it great for families with young kids. There’s also an attached rec center.
Water carnival: July 6

Ream (Mt. Washington)
321 Merrimac Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-488-8312

Right on the busline, this pool has a lot of programs and a playground.
Water carnival: July 20

Sheraden
1071 Adon Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15204
412-777-5011

Water carnival: July 25

Westwood
100 Guyland Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-937-3061

Water carnival: July 16

Rules

The pool promotes a family-friendly environment at all times.

Pool tags must be worn at all times.
Swim suits are required for the pool and deck area.
Patrons must shower before entering the pool.
No running, dunking, horseplay or profanity.
No diving on the shallow side of safety line.
Smoking is prohibited inside the facility, including e-cigarettes.
Food and drink are permitted only in designated area.
Swimmers under six years of age must be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older.
The Head Lifeguard must approve all flotation devices. Inflatable flotation devices are prohibited.
Lounge chairs & strollers must be kept at a minimum distance of ten feet from poolside.
Patrons with medical conditions should inform the Lifeguards.
Citiparks is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property.
Complaints – see the Head Lifeguard for procedures.
Lifeguards are responsible for your safety, so please follow the rules.
Violations of above rules may result in disciplinary action up to and including loss of pool privileges.

Click the links for more information about the four spray parks the city operates, swim lessons, and other swimming programs.

Got information to add? Dying to know an answer to a question about the pools? Facebook us, send us a tweet, or leave a comment below. You can contact the city pools directly here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/city-info/swimming-pools.html

Father’s Day in Pittsburgh

Father’s Day is a tricky nut to crack. What do you get dear old dad? What do you do with an entire day dedicated to him? There can be an overwhelming pressure when it comes to the special day . Or you can just give him a #1 DAD mug and hope for the best. If you’re looking to be the best son or daughter ever, check out these events happening in Pittsburgh for Father’s Day.

Man Up for Prostate Cancer 5/10k Walk/Run

Spend the day walking (or running) with your dad to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. The Obediah Cole Foundation is hosting its 11th annual 5/10k Walk/Run on Sunday, June 16th. Races start at 8a.m. at Riverfront Park and the course follows the North Shore for a great view of the city and the rivers. Spend the morning getting fit with your dad, and raising money for a good cause. Register here.

Father’s Day Celebration at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

What could be better than spending the day at the zoo with your dad? Spend Father’s Day with your dad at the zoo FOR FREE. Dads get free admission when they bring their child to the zoo on Sunday, June 16th. I’m not sure how they are defining child, and if they’ll let a 22 year-old slide as a kid, but my fingers are crossed. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG aquarium opens at 9:30a.m. on Sunday.

Father’s Day Brunch and Dinner Specials

If you’re anything like my Dad and me, then you like to commemorate notable holidays by eating large meals. Open Table has made your search for the perfect brunch or dinner spot a little easier by compiling a list of holiday specials. Search for reservations times and more on the site.

First pitch, Mets vs Pirates, 7.20.05 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kids and Dads’ Day at PNC Park

Take your sporty dad to PNC Park Sunday for an afternoon game against the Dodgers. Kids and dads get the special treatment with free baseball caps at the doors. Children are also welcomed to run the bases after the game. Dads–if you behave maybe you can run the bases after the game too.

Plant a Tree for Dad with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Help the environment and get a gift for your dad by planting a tree in Pittsburgh. With a donation, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will plant a tree in the Park of your choice. They’ll also send a card to your dad for proof.

Breakfast and a Movie at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont

Does your dad like breakfast? Old westerns? Both? Enjoy brunch and western classic High Noon at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont Sunday June 16th. Brunch starts at 11a.m., and the movie begins at 11:30a.m.

Make Your Own Audio Card for Father’s Day

Join the Saturday Light Brigade through Father’s Day to make your own unique audio card. From 1-4p.m. daily, the Saturday Light Brigade can help you create a one of a kind card to give to your dad. You can find the Saturday Light Brigade in the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in the Northside. You can find more information on the event here.

Gateway Clipper Fleet Celebrates Father’s Day

Spend some time with dad on the water this Sunday with the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Father’s Day brunch or lunch (or both if your dad is really hungry). The brunch cruise sets sail at 10a.m., and the lunch cruise at 2:30p.m. Bring your life vest and an empty stomach, this buffet is all you can eat.

There’s our round up of a few events happening Sunday. What are your Father’s Day plans this year? Leave us a comment below!

Kids briefs: Children’s Museum lets kids record gifts for parents

The 2013 Pittsburgh Cinema in the Park series kicks off on Saturday

Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Citiparks

The Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park series resumes for the 2013 season this Saturday, June 8 at dusk. The free event, hosted at various local city parks, invites movie-goers to lay back, relax, and enjoy weekly movie screenings.

The series features both kid-friendly G- and PG-rated flicks, such as Finding Nemo and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, as well as popular PG-13 films like The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit, and The Hunger Games.

Guests are asked not to bring alcoholic beverages, but snacks, drinks, and chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Flagstaff Hill also has a Wednesday night concert series before the movie starts with musical performances from 7-8 p.m.

Inclement weather may cause cancellations, so visit the Cinema in the Park website or call 412-422-6426 for more information.

Check out the movie listings below or click on the map for a list of film dates and locations.

Click for an Interactive map of Pittsburgh Cinema in the Park movie dates and locations.

Arsenal Park
Location: 39th and Butler Streets, Lawrenceville
Dates: Fridays, June 14 – August 30, 2013
Time: Dusk

June 14- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)

June 21- Hook (PG)

June 28- Thunderstruck (PG)

July 5- Hotel Transylvania (PG)

July 12- The Goonies (PG)

July 19- Rise of the Guardians (PG)

July 26- Finding Nemo (G)

August 2- ParaNorman (PG)

August 9- Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)

August 16- Jumanji (PG)

August 23- Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13)

August 30- Chimpanzee (G)

Brookline Memorial Park
Location: Oakridge Street, Brookline
Dates: Thursdays, June 13 – August 29, 2013
Time: Dusk

June 13- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)

June 20- Hook (PG)

June 27- Thunderstruck (PG)

July 4- Holiday – no movie

July 11- The Goonies (PG)

July 18- Rise of the Guardians (PG)

July 25- Finding Nemo (G)

August 1- ParaNorman (PG)

August 8- Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)

August 15- Jumanji (PG)

August 22- Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13)

August 29- Chimpanzee (G)

Schenley Park
Location: Flagstaff Hill
Dates: Sundays and Wednesdays, June 9 – August 28, 2013
Time: Dusk

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Flagstaff Hill
Come early to enjoy mid-week musical performances.
Time: 7-8 p.m. (before the movies begin at dusk)

June 9- The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG)

June 12- The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13) Concert: Jeff Bush

June 16- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)

June 19- Men in Black (PG-13) Concert: ’Lamint

June 23- Hook (PG)

June 26- Jack Reacher (PG-13) Concert: Patti Spadaro Band

June 30- Thunderstruck (PG)

July 3- The Dark Night Rises (PG-13) Concert: Muddy Kreek Blues Band

July 7- Hotel Transylvania (PG)

July 10- The Vow (PG-13) Concert: Swing Nova

July 14- The Goonies (PG)

July 17- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Concert: Savvy Band

July 21- Rise of the Guardians (PG)

July 24- The Tuskegee Airmen (PG-13) Concert: theFIVE6

July 28- Finding Nemo (G)

July 31- The Hunger Games (PG-13) Concert: Shinizyn

August 4- ParaNorman (PG)

August 7- Lincoln (PG-13) Concert: Bobby Short Band

August 11- Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)

August 14- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (PG-13) Concert: Bridgette Perdue

August 18- Jumanji (PG)

August 21- Skyfall (PG-13) Concert: The Grid

August 25- Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13)

August 28- The Avengers (PG-13) Concert: Daniels & McClain

Grandview Park
Location: Bailey Avenue, Mt. Washington
Date: Saturdays, June 8 – August 31, 2013
Time: Dusk

June 8- The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG)

June 15- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)

June 22- Hook (PG)

June 29- Thunderstruck (PG)

July 6- Hotel Transylvania (PG)

July 13- The Goonies (PG)

July 20- Rise of the Guardians (PG)

July 27- Finding Nemo (G)

August 3- ParaNorman (PG)

August 10- Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)

August 17- Jumanji (PG)

August 24- Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13)

August 31- Chimpanzee (G)

Highland Park
Location: Reservoir Drive
Dates: 3 Mondays, June 17, July 15 and August 19
Time: Dusk

June 17- Hook (PG)

July 15- Rise of the Guardians (PG)

August 19- Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13)

Riverview Park
Location: Observatory Hill
Dates: Saturdays, June 8 – August 31, 2013
Time: Dusk

June 8- American Graffiti (PG)

June 15- The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13)

June 22- Men in Black 3 (PG-13)

June 29- Jack Reacher (PG-13)

July 6- The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)

July 13- Psycho (PG-13)

July 20- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13)

July 27- The Tuskegee Airmen (PG-13)

August 3- The Hunger Games (PG-13)

August 10- Lincoln (PG-13)

August 17- Casablanca (PG)

August 24- Skyfall (PG-13)

August 31- The Avengers (PG-13)

West End- Elliott Overlook Park
Location: Elliott Overlook
Dates: Tuesdays, June 11 – August 27, 2013
Time: Dusk

June 11- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)

June 18- Hook (PG)

June 25- Thunderstruck (PG)

July 2- Hotel Transylvania (PG)

July 9- The Goonies (PG)

July 16- Rise of the Guardians (PG)

July 23- Finding Nemo (G)

July 30- ParaNorman (PG)

August 6- Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)

August 13- Jumanji (PG)

August 20- Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13)

August 27- Chimpanzee (G)

Weekend Music Events: Where You Should Be and When

So there are a ton of exciting things happening music and concert-wise this weekend through the Three Rivers Arts Festival starting Friday, June 7th as well as the start of the “Weather Permitting” concert series this Sunday, June 9th. Here’s a chronological list of all the bands coming by day and time of performance as well as what stage they will be performing on.

Three Rivers Arts Festival:

Because there are multiple stages, you may find this map to be helpful.

Friday June 7th:

12:00pm-1:00pm Indie pop rock band Jd Eicher and the Goodnights will be playing on the Dollar Bank Stage

Acousticafe, “Pittsburgh’s Best new singer/songwriters”, will be performing on the Second Stage at Gateway Center from 5:00pm-7:00pm

Jazz band Poogie Bell will be playing from 5:30pm-9:00pm in Katz Plaza

And the River City Brass Band will play at Point Stage Park from 5:00pm-6:00 pm

6:15pm- 6:55pm Happy, dance music from Donora also on the Dollar Bank Stage

7:30pm-9:00pm The Headliner for Friday night is California-native, indie folk rock band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

English: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros performing at Lollapalooza Chile Español: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros tocando en Lollapalooza Chile (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Known for the popular singles “Home”, “Janglin”, and “40 Day Dream” from their debut album Up from Below, as well as songs from last year’s follow-up album Here, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will cap off the evening on the Dollar Bank Stage. The band will also be releasing a self-titled third album set to release on July 23rd. As a side note lead singer Alex Ebert is also the lead singer of Ima Robot, the group responsible for the awesome theme song of the popular USA network series Suits.

All fan-hood aside, I digress from the rest of the weekend music happenings.

Saturday June 8th:

Arts Greenhouse Collective, a local hip hop education program, will school you with original beats and rhymes while performing from 12:00pm-12:30pm as well as 2:00pm-2:30pm on the Family Stage at Giant Eagle Creativity Zone.

Soundwaves Steel Band will be performing from 12:30pm-1:00pm as well as 1:30pm-2:00pm also on the Family Stage at Giant Eagle Creativity Zone

The Unknown String Band, “folk-grass pickin’ partners” from Pittsburgh will be on the Second Stage at Gateway Center from 1:00pm-2:00pm

The Shelf Life String Band, a bluegrass string quintet, will be performing from 3:00pm-4:00pm and from 5:00pm-5:45pm on the Second Stage at Gateway Center

YMCA Lighthouse Music Crew & Step Team, which features youth hip-hop and step routine, will perform on the Family Stage at Giant Eagle Creativity Zone from 3:00pm-4:00pm

The Arts Festival will feature a ton of other great bluegrass bands on Saturday. Starting with the Allegheny Drifters from 2:00pm-3:00pm on the Dollar Bank Stage.

Great American Taxi will be bringing bluegrass infused rock Americana to the Dollar Bank Stage from 6:00 pm-7:15pm

Saturday night will cap off with bluegrass and American music legend Ralph Stanley, who will also be performing on the Dollar Bank Stage from 7:30pm-9:00pm

Sunday June 9th:

Acousticafe will play a second show from 1:00pm-5:00pm on the Second Stage at Gateway Center

AcoustiKids (a branch off of Acousticafe) will perform a show for children on the Family Stage at Giant Eagle Creativity Zone from 2:00pm-4:00pm

WYEP Re(imagiNATION) Showcase will be, well, showcasing some of Pittsburgh’s emerging teen musicians from 4:00pm-6:00pm on the Family Stage at Giant Eagle Creativity Zone

Big With Seed, an 8-piece “groove-laden rock” band, will perform from 1:00pm-2:30pm on the Dollar Bank Stage

Sleep Experiments will be bringing “ambient dream pop” to the Dollar Bank Stage from 3:00pm-4:00pm

The Deceptions will perform a rock, folk, Americana fusion from 4:30pm-5:30pm on the Dollar Bank Stage

Grand Piano, a 6-piece local rock band, will perform on the Dollar Bank Stage from 6:00pm-7:00pm

And the first weekend of Arts Fest Music will cap off with Cello Fury featuring Joy Ike and Scott Blasey of the Clarks, this one-night only collaboration will perform from 7:30pm-9:00pm on the Dollar Bank Stage

WEATHER PERMITTING CONCERT SERIES BEGINNING JUNE 9TH:

Starting June 9th Shadyside Nursery will be hosting a concert series in collaboration with Fukuda and Pandemic titled “Weather Permitting PGH.” Together they’re bringing a great mix of music, relaxation, food, drink, and summer fun every Sunday evening from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm. The concert series is called Weather Permitting and it boasts a “chilled out, relaxed, bring a blanket and some wine, nurse the hangover, bring the kids” environment.

The weekly outdoor concert will take place every Sunday through the rest of summer and is looking to bring in a diverse audience through, for lack of a better word, a diverse collection of musical groups, food vendors/trucks and children’s activities.

Admission is $10, which includes a complimentary beverage with proof of ID. Kids get in free, again this weekly event is family friendly. Shadyside Nursery is located on 510 Maryland Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth Ave.) This looks like a great event if you’re looking to experience something a little different each week.

This Sunday’s Performers Include:

Lungs Face Feet, a local 8 piece brass, accordion, percussion band. They’re great fun as evidenced here:

Check out them out on Facebook.

Sunday will also feature Taluna, a Mediterranean folk/”Spacefolk” band from Italy.

Listen to more Taluna on their website.

Phew, that’s a lot to digest (and that’s not another strange band name, don’t worry). See you out there this weekend, I’ll be cutting it up at a few of these shows. Check back each week for more weekend music updates.