Caren Glotfelty to retire
Executive Director search begins
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It is with great appreciation for all that she has done in leading the Allegheny County Parks Foundation that the Board of Directors announces the retirement of Executive Director Caren Glotfelty later this year. "Since Caren joined the Parks Foundation in 2014, she has stewarded the organization with clear vision, inclusive collaboration, and unparalleled leadership," according to a Board statement.
"Caren has led the Parks Foundation with her thoughtful, practical, organized, and strategic style that has guided us to new heights during her time as our Executive Director. We have benefited greatly from her extensive environmental, governmental, and development experience," said Chip Babst, Board Chair.
The Board further stated:
"The Board of Directors is extremely grateful for Caren's commitment to the success of ACPF and all that she has done for the greater community, most recently successfully leading us through the pandemic. We appreciate her dedication to the organization as we work together during this transition period to identify her successor. We look forward to seeing Caren in the parks and on the trails she has so passionately worked to preserve."
During her tenure, all nine County Parks have seen significant enhancements including ecological surveys and environmental upgrades, renovations of the Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres and historic features in South Park, trail improvements in several of the parks and the founding of the Suffragist Grove at Hartwood Acres, a project near and dear to Caren.
“It has been a great privilege and joy to work over the past seven years with Allegheny County and the dedicated board and staff of the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. The 12,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities in our county parks are a tremendous asset contributing to the health and vibrancy of our region. I have appreciated the leadership and commitment of County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to the improvement of the parks and the success of the Parks Foundation. I look forward to helping our board to find a new Executive Director to lead the Parks Foundation to the next level," said Glotfelty.
The Board is in the process of identifying her successor and appreciates Caren's commitment to ensuring the Foundation continues to prosper. Letters of interest and referrals are being received at executivesearch@acparksfoundation.org.
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Local sculptor Dee Briggs adding to
Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres collection
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The Parks Foundation joined County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and other officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking recently to celebrate the start of a new phase of the construction of the Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres. It was also announced that Wilkinsburg sculptor Dee Briggs has been commissioned to create a new work for installation at the site.
The Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres is the largest and most complicated project undertaken by ACPF in partnership with Allegheny County to date. Eleven sculptures were gifted to Hartwood Acres Park in the 1980s, when it was first envisioned as an arts and culture park. Two other sculptures have been added, with the Briggs commission becoming a third. An 11-member panel selected her from more than 80 artists.
“I am delighted and honored to have my work join the important and influential sculptors represented in this collection, such as Clement Meadmore and Charles Ginniver,” said Briggs. “Because of the sculpture collection, Hartwood Acres Park has always been a special place for me. I look forward to working in its spectacular landscape.” Her process to determine a site and a design is now underway.
This phase of construction is an extensive makeover of the entire site around the historic mansion. New ADA-accessible sidewalks will wind through the estate’s lawns and landscapes with walkways providing a continuous connection between the conserved sculptures. Renovation of two parking lots will feature rain gardens to help manage stormwater runoff. LED site lighting will be provided for all new paths and parking lots. Some additional stone paver hardscapes and plaza spaces will also be constructed and portions of the existing asphalt roads will be widened and resurfaced. Nearly 300 trees, over 100 shrubs and thousands of perennials will be planted, almost all are native species to southwestern PA.
Current work follows much-needed expert art conservation on this valuable collection. When returned to Hartwood, the sculptures will be repositioned on new concrete foundations in cohesive groupings that will help visitors better appreciate their grandeur and significance.
The Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres is made possible in part by the RADical ImPAct Grant program, which was launched in 2019 to celebrate 25 years of the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). The grants were designed to support bold, forward-looking projects that would shape the creative landscape of the region for the next 25 years.
Additional funders to date include Allegheny County, Allegheny Foundation, Charity Randall Foundation, Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, Fine Foundation, Fox Chapel Garden Club, The Garden Club of Allegheny County, a member of The Garden Club of America, Hillman Foundation, Jack Buncher Foundation, Opportunity Fund, PNC Charitable Trusts, and generous individuals.
Fundraising for this signature project is ongoing. If you would like to explore ways to support the Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres, email Caitlin Harpster, call her at 724.327.7627 or use this button.
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Featuring jazz musician/singer Benny Benack III
Saturday, August 21
Hartwood Acres Meadow
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Smooth jazz, refreshing cocktails and seasonal picnic fare with an elegant flair under the stars combine for a memorable summer evening in the park. Twilight Picnic for the Parks: Back in the Swing brings native Pittsburgher Benny Benack III back to his roots to help the Parks Foundation celebrate the nine Allegheny County Parks at this signature fundraiser.
But the real "star" of the night will be the Hartwood Acres Meadow. This four-acre site, planted with native perennials to attract beneficial pollinators, will serve as the centerpiece of the evening's festivities as the Twilight Picnic moves to this new site off Middle Road while the Great Lawn at the Mansion is undergoing construction of the Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres.
Projects such as these are made possible by the generous sponsorships of our corporate community and the purchase of individual tickets. Since its inception in 2017, Twilight Picnic has raised over $1.275 million to improve, conserve and restore the nine County Parks.
Join us and bring your friends! The Twilight Picnic has quickly become one of our region's best parties and having you there will make it better!
Would you like to sponsor this event? Email Barbara Brewton or call her at 724.327.7627. Stay tuned for ticket information!
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Thanks to our Twilight Picnic Sponsors! |
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Babst Calland
Burns White
Eaton
Giant Eagle
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Alcosan
Builders Guild of Western PA & Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council
Hefren Tillotson
Hill International
Mascaro Construction
Schneider Downs
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Dentons Cohen & Grigsby
HDR Inc.
KeyBank
ms consultants, inc.
PJ Dick - Trumbull - Lindy Group
Range Resources
SSM Industries
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Hug a reptile on World Snake Day - July 16! |
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Yes, there really is a holiday for snakes!
This creeping crawler was spotted by photographer Bill Shissler in North Park Lake. Bill is a frequent contributor to the Friends of North Park Facebook page, which hosts many talented folks who share the natural wonders at this popular park.
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South Park Green Parking Solution |
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Sure signs that progress is underway - heavy equipment and orange netting!
Work has begun on the Green Parking Solutions lot on Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive. This project, which is a partnership of Allegheny County and the Parks Foundation, began in June, with completion of the hardscapes expected later this year. The planting of native trees, grasses and bushes, which is part of the stormwater management system and walkway along the edge of the slope above the Oval, will take place in spring 2022.
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Construction is on-going at this popular restoration site. Progress has been made on the stone work surrounding the basins, pictured above. |
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Coming Attraction: Pour at the Park North Park
Friday, September 10
North Park Lodge
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Live bands, local brews, tasty bites, a take-home signature stainless steel tasting cup and an L.L. Bean fire pit with s'mores - all wrapped up in a fundraiser that benefits your favorite parks!
Join us for a family-friendly evening under the stars. Stay tuned for a list of local breweries serving their specialties and restaurants providing food. Tickets on sale soon!
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Thanks to our Pour at the Park sponsors! |
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Interested in sponsoring this popular event - more than 400 guests attend! Email Barbara Brewton or call her at 724.327.7627.
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South Ridge Trail Challenge supports ACPF |
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Make this North Park race the first one on your October schedule. (Don't forget to click on the donate button to support the Allegheny County Parks Foundation when you sign up!)
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Thanks for supporting us on
Prime Day!
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Thanks to all who selected the Allegheny County Parks Foundation on Amazon Smile for purchases during Prime Days last month. But you don't need to wait for the next Prime Day to support us through Amazon. Select us for every purchase! Every donation helps!
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Boyce Park | Deer Lakes Park | Harrison Hills Park | Hartwood Acres Park
North Park | Round Hill Park | Settlers Cabin Park | South Park | White Oak Park
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Allegheny County Parks Foundation | 675 Old Frankstown Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15239
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