In Your Spare Time: Schenley Park

A little background: In 1889, Edward Bigelow, considered to be the father of Pittsburgh parks, convinced heiress Mary Schenley to donate 300 acres of family land to the city. This land constitutes the core of Schenley Park, which officially measures 456 acres. Thanks to Bigelow's efforts and the land donations of other wealthy Pittsburghers, the turn of the century witnessed the development of a thriving urban park system here in Pittsburgh. However, World War II and the subsequent mid-century migration to the suburbs took a toll on the parks. Luxurious boathouses, gardens, and entryways fell into disrepair. Today, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is dedicated to restoring and revitalizing Frick, Highland, Riverview, and Schenley Parks. Their first "showcase project" was the restoration of the gatehouse at the Reynolds Street entrance to Frick Park. The restoration and renovation of the Schenley Park Visitor Center, which was completed in December of 2001, was their second showcase project.

Schenley Park Visitor Center

The Visitor Center provides an excellent starting point for your visit to Schenley. It's open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All of the tools that you need to make the most of your time are available; if you need advance information call 412.682.7275. Highlights include:

• Free drinking water and clean restrooms
• An information kiosk with calendars of events and general park information
• Interpretive exhibits that educate visitors about the park's trails, history, and ecology
• Park-related gifts including craft kits for kids and Pennsylvania- and Pittsburgh-themed books
• A coffee bar (Discount Alert: Mondays are "Half Price Coffee Day" at the Visitor Center)
• Light lunches including sandwiches, salads, and soup (Another Discount Alert: visit www.PittsburghParks.org for your Free Birthday Dessert coupon)
• Plenty of seating inside the main pavilion and on the terrace overlooking Panther Hollow

Flagstaff Hill

Movies on Flagstaff Hill continue through August 25. The Comcast Cinema in the Park program also shows movies at the following locations:

• Robert E. Williams Memorial Park, Hill District, 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays

• Brookline Memorial Park, Brookline, 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays

• Arsenal Park, Lawrenceville, 9:00 p.m. on Fridays

• Grandview Park, Mount Washington, 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays

• Riverview Park, Observatory Hill, 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

For a complete schedule, mostly-family-friendly film selections, and maps to each park, visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks/html/cinema_in_the_park_and_cinema_.html.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Phipps is in the midst of a nearly $37-million expansion, so you will notice quite a bit of construction when you wander past the conservatory. The improvements will include a new tropical forest exhibit, expanded greenhouse and educational programming spaces, a special events pavilion, and a new entrance that will feature a gift shop and cafe. In the meantime, however, do not bypass Phipps on account of the dust. There are several worthwhile exhibits currently open for visitors ...

• The Butterfly Forest: through October 15, 2004.
• The Tropical Bonsai: through October 10, 2004
• The Discovery Garden for children: through September 6, 2004
• Jazz in the Garden: June 27, July 25, and August 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (free!)

For hours and admission costs, visit www.phipps.conservatory.org.
See for yourself why "Something's Always Blooming at Phipps"!

Swimming Pool

This summer, Schenley Park's 25-meter swimming pool will be open June 16, 2004, through Labor Day (September 6, 2004). Hours are Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., and weekends and holidays 1:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Admission is free, but you will need to register for a Citiparks pool tag and show identification each time you visit the pool. For more information, contact the pool at 412.422.4266.

Schenley Oval and Ice Skating Rink

The Schenley Oval comprises thirteen tennis courts, running tracks, and a soccer field. Meanwhile, the skating rink is open in the summer as a roller hockey rink. The Schenley Oval is particularly enjoyable in the early morning hours, before the sun and humidity drive even the most enterprising athlete back into the climate-controlled comfort of the indoors.

A final note: the Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation Department, the steward of park lands and facilities, accepts comments, complaints, and suggestions at the Mayor's Service Center (www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/mayor/html/mayors_service_center_request.html). The Pittsburgh City Parks exist for the citizens of Pittsburgh, so if you have an idea or a constructive "parting shot," make it known!

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University of Pittsburgh  
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Pittsburgh , PA 15260  

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