Tag Archives: Recreation

CHS Youth Summer Camp

Community Human Services, a nonprofit in the Pittsburgh area, is introducing an awesome new summer camp for 5th and 6th graders. LEAD Civic Engagement will take place over six weeks and introduce these young students to topics such as leadership, science, arts & music, diversity, environment, and government. The camp will venture into the community for miscellaneous activities, but will primarily be located at the CHS headquarters on Lawn Street. This location is ideal for parents dropping their kids off before going to work in Oakland or downtown. Any student in the age range is encouraged to participate in the program, taking place June 24th to August 2nd.  The program is $125 per week, including volunteering activities and a field trip every week. Scholarships are available. Apply soon by visiting http://www.chscorp.org/. Young students will leave the camp with a lot of knowledge and a new appreciation for making a difference in our community! If you need any additional information, feel free to contact Trevor at tsmith@chscorp.org or 412-246-1615.

Looking for a summer program in the area for teens? Look into the Luminari Teen Writers Workshop by going to http://www.luminari.org/Teen_Writer!_Series.html

Questyinz: Where can dogs swim in Pittsburgh?

A Portuguese water dog competes during a water...
Image via Wikipedia

Alona asked, “We just got a new puppy! He’s a black lab mix – and boy is this heat getting to him. Where’s a good place in or around Pittsburgh to take a dog for a swim? Thanks!”

So glad that Alona asked “in or around” as the following places are scattered all over the Pittsburgh metro area.  The good news is that there are a lot of different options to try – check out each of these until you find one that your new puppy wants to call his swimming hole of choice.  Anyone else know a great spot?  Please add your recommendations in Comments.

45 minutes from the city is Lucky Paws Pet Resort, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2009 pick for “Best Dog Pool.”  It’s $10 for a visit or $175 for an annual pass.  Check out the website, they aren’t kidding when they say “resort,” its like the Four Seasons of dog pools.  http://www.luckypawsresort.com/dogParkAndPool.php

Another park that is in a league of their own is Misty Pines Dog Park Co. in Sewickley.  The pond that they have closes to the public when they have their dog swim classes (no joke, they have “Dock Diving”) so you will want to check the website for times. http://www.mistypinesdogpark.com/

As for parks that have pet friendly waters, there are several.  Lower Frick Park has a small fenced off area with a water feature.  It’s right off Tranquil trail.   They call it “Hot Dog Dam,” tee hee.  It’s very shady down there, so that helps too.   http://www.pittsburghparks.org/userdocs/frickmap.pdf

Northmoreland Lake in Northmoreland County Park is another option, although it’s closer to Greensburg, so it’s 25 minutes out of town.  It’s not a dog swimming hole by definition, more like they don’t oppose it.  http://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks/lib/parks/forms/northmoreland_park_08_map.pdf

The following article from last fall’s Post-Gazette covers two great events for dog swimming at area pools that are usually for humans. At the end of the season, Sandcastle and the Dormont Pool allow dogs to swim for a day.  See the article for more details. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09248/995658-62.stm

I hope this gives you and your pup some direction.  If you are lucky, maybe he’ll learn the Triple Lindy in dock diving school!  If so, please send video.


Hit the road, n'at

The Summit InnWanting to wake up in wine country ready to get to some serious tasting, me and the almost-husband (AH) decided to head down to the Laurel Highlands after work on Friday.  With our reservation confirmed at the gloriously historic Summit Inn Resort and armed with the news that the dining room closed at 9pm, we planned to hit the road by 7.  This gave me enough time to properly pack.  For a weekend devoted to wine tasting I reasoned I really only needed five things: sundresses, sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen.  Oh, and a swimsuit for the indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzi at the Summit.  Fortunately, I decided to throw in some jeans and a sweater at the last minute because sadly the weather did not cooperate with my packing plan.  Leaving by 7 allowed me to attend my Friday workout class to prepare for a weekend devoted mostly to eating and drinking.

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Help Name the New Park on Mt. Washington

Grandview Park View
Image by william.k via Flickr

I saw this on the Venture Outdoors blog this week and thought it was worth sharing.

Visit Pittsburgh has a poll on their site – vote on a name for the new park or suggest a name – deadline is August 31, 2009. Cast your vote and enter to win a night at the Renaissance hotel.

Cast Your Vote, Submit Your Big Idea, and Enter the Prize Drawing!

Pittsburghers know Mt. Washington provides the perfect vantage point of the city’s legendary three rivers and triangular urban center. Just an incline ride away from downtown and the place to dine with out-of-town guests, Mt. Washington now has a green side to show off, too. And we need your help to give this lush urban wilderness a name.

The new park that crosses Mt. Washington, Duquesne Heights and Allentown, offers 235 acres of green woodlands, trails, playgrounds, playing fields and majestic views from all sides. It’s the perfect place for Pittsburghers and visitors to hike across hillsides on quiet, sun-dappled paths or take yoga lessons, watch free movies, or enjoy a festival. Now consider: What name can describe this regional treasure? Something, perhaps, that combines the present with the area’s rich past and highlights the Park’s wild and green character, urban setting and spectacular view.

Click here to cast your vote at Visit Pittsburgh

Here is an interesting video that is a) amusing and b) gives some history of the park.

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Zippty Zipcar – get $25 in free driving

zipcar T-Shirt
Image via Wikipedia

One of the other things I talked about on WDVE this am is the Zipcar low-car diet that just ended last week. Pittsburgh is one of the 50+ city that has Zipcars parked around town. Once you are a member, you can reserve a car online and drive it when you need it.

I know Pittsburgh is a driving town – but if you are a student and just need to use a car once in a while for a trip to the grocery store or Ikea – or maybe you have a car for your family but once in a while you need to use a pick up truck – Zipcar is the perfect solution. The hourly rate is about $10 and that includes gas AND insurance. Continue reading →