Top News
BIG Support
on Giving Tuesday

Thank you for giving the gift of wonder and supporting your county parks!

Because of you, we raised $8,813 that will go directly to improving, conserving, and restoring your nine county parks for future generations.

Your generosity protects your parks and preserves their wonder for children like Maddox. With your support, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation can work on important projects across our nine county parks, such as: stream water monitoring, tree and wildflowers plantings, invasive species removal, bird population monitoring, and comprehensive ecological assessments.
 
Additionally, your support makes possible larger projects like the restoration of the North Park Observation Tower, rehabilitation of the historic Edgebrook Shelter in South Park, and a connectivity study between South and White Oak Parks.

Thank you for being our people for the parks.
Meet Joey-Linn Ulrich
our Executive Director!

Joey-Linn has been with the Parks Foundation for a month now! Our team has enjoyed getting to know her and hear about her passion for the parks. We couldn't be more excited to step into this next chapter under her leadership!
Events
Park 'til Dark & Pour at the Park - South Park
NEW DATE! Saturday, May 20th, 2023!
Please note that we have changed our South Park all-day fun to Saturday, May 20th. We can't wait to see you there!
Project Updates
North Park Observation Tower

We have an exciting update on the North Park Observation Tower! The design has progressed to final construction documents and is tentatively scheduled to be publicly bid by Allegheny County this month. A construction contractor will be hired shortly thereafter.
 
The Observation Tower has undergone an extensive structural assessment and overall determined to be in good condition. Some minor structural repairs will be included in the scope of work. The interior and exterior of the tank will be sandblasted and repainted. The design intent for selecting the new exterior paint color will consider the original 1936 appearance based on historic photographs. The ironwork railings along the staircase and the domed overlook will require additional features to make them compliant with current codes and assure public safety.

Currently, it is expected that the renovation work could begin as early as April 2023, continue over the summer and be completed by Fall 2023. Total project budget for design and construction is anticipated to be around $1 million but may change based on any number of factors.

Allegheny County is expected to match the $400,000 grant awarded by the Babcock Charitable Trust.
South Park Tree Planting

45 native trees were planted in South Park this past month thanks to the generous support of The Peaceable Kingdom Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation. The Parks Foundation has been executing tree plantings throughout the spring and fall to improve and increase habitat for wildlife and to promote reforestation.

This area in South Park was chosen in a conscious effort to increase the amount of urban forest in Allegheny County, which is decreasing rapidly due to development. Thank you to the incredible volunteers from EQT for your help in making another tree planting a success.
Peaceable Kingdom Fund Plantings Completed

The Allegheny County Parks Foundation, in partnership with Allegheny County, completed a two-year on going series of plantings supported by the Peaceable Kingdom Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation. During that time, the Parks Foundation achieved:

  • 11.2 acres of new meadow planted at Hartwood Acres Park.
  • Invasive species removal and 222 total trees planted at White Oak Park along the White Trail.
  • Planting of 75 trees and plants to continue to rebuild woodland understory at the Waterfall Trail at Settlers Cabin Park.
  • Riparian plantings at Beaver Pond at Settlers Cabin Park adding 350 trees and shrubs and 550 live stakes.
  • Removal of invasive species along pond banks at Deer Lakes and Harrison Hills Parks and planting of 650 trees and shrubs and 350 live stakes.
  • 113 additional tree plantings across South Park, Boyce Park, and Round Hill Park.

Together with the Allegheny County Parks Rangers and 250 volunteers, we were able to achieve terrific success in meeting the mission of the Peaceable Kingdom Fund. Thank you to all of those who have supported these ongoing plantings!
In the Parks
Allegheny County Parks Fall/Winter 2022 Program Guide

Get out and explore your parks this winter! No matter what activities you enjoy, one of your county parks will have something to offer.

PLUS, the skating rinks at North and South Parks are now open!
Holiday Laser Show

Celebrate the holidays with a one-of-a-kind drive-in laser show at North Park, hosted by Allegheny County! You will be dazzled by a beautiful 45-minute light show synchronized with holiday music – all from your own vehicle. 

Space is limited, and tickets will sell out fast. Don't miss this unique and entertaining experience! 
Ways to Support
Support your parks with a year-end contribution!
December is the last month to make tax-deductible donations to your favorite charities for 2022!

The parks were a safe space for Cassie and her two year-old son Maddox to visit during the pandemic. Parks became a key part of their lives, visiting different county parks every weekend. Throughout his life, Maddox can rely on the Allegheny County Parks as places of exploration and wonder. By investing in your parks, you help to ensure parks remain a vibrant space for children like Maddox to connect with the natural world.

We hope that you will put the Parks Foundation at the top of your priority list when choosing who to support with your year-end contribution. Click here to donate now!
Save on Amazon Prime and Support the Parks Foundation!
Every Amazon purchase earns the Parks Foundation cash!

Give back this holiday season by selecting the Allegheny County Parks Foundation as your charity of choice on Amazon Smile. All your shopping pays off with a donation to your parks!

For more information, please contact Caitlin Harpster, Individual Giving Manager at charpster@acparksfoundation.org or at 724.327.7627.
Boyce Park | Deer Lakes Park | Harrison Hills Park | Hartwood Acres Park
North Park | Round Hill Park | Settlers Cabin Park | South Park | White Oak Park
Contact Us:
Allegheny County Parks Foundation | 675 Old Frankstown Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15239