Transforming a Scrap Yard to the Community’s Front Yard: Groundbreaking Ceremony and Celebration Announced for Allegheny RiverTrail Park

PITTSBURGH, PA, June 17, 2023 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — Community leaders, local officials, project partners and Allegheny RiverTrail Park supporters attended a groundbreaking ceremony on June 16, 2023 to kick off the transformation of an additional 6 acres of parkland and 1.5 miles of multi-use trails that will expand and enhance the community’s “Front Yard” along the Allegheny River. 

 

Once an industrial scrapyard, the highly anticipated new development will create a vibrant public green space with a riverside deck, hillside slides and breathtaking views of the Allegheny River. This milestone event marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the history of Allegheny RiverTrail Park (ARP). 

 

ARP began in 2011 as a community’s dream to be able to ride a bike to Pittsburgh and to connect with the Allegheny River. The Park serves as a dynamic, regional hub for outdoor activities, environmental preservation, and community engagement.  Nestled along the picturesque Allegheny River, the park provides a recreational oasis for residents and visitors alike.

 

The celebration will continue Friday evening with a community-wide celebration at Allegheny RiverTrail Park from 6 – 8 PM and will include live music, activities for kids, food vendors, beer on tap, discounts on evening kayaking and many more family-friendly events.  The ceremony and celebration symbolize the official start of construction, bringing ARP one step closer to the realization of this visionary project.

 

“We are thrilled to begin the transformation of six acres of formerly industrial land into parkland plus 1.5 miles of a biking and walking trail, “ said Bill Strome, Board Chair of Allegheny RiverTrail Park. “This park will serve as a link – a front porch – to the river, offering recreational opportunities and preserving natural habitats that will be enjoyed by the community forever.  We are grateful for the overwhelming support and dedication from our partners and cannot wait to open this space to the public.”

 

Allegheny RiverTrail park already features a range of amenities to cater to the diverse interests of its visitors including a fishing dock, marina, and a beautiful playground for children.  The new parkland will offer an array of new opportunities for active engagement with nature. The design includes picnic areas, performance spaces, and a riverside deck, allowing for leisurely gatherings and community events against the stunning backdrop of the Allegheny River.

 

Moreover, Allegheny RiverTrail Park is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The park’s design integrates sustainable practices, such as green infrastructure for stormwater management and the use of native plantings to support local ecosystems. These measures reflect the project’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the region.

 

The Board of Directors of Allegheny RiverTrail Park extends its gratitude to the community, local authorities, the foundation community and generous corporate and individual donors whose support has made this project possible. Their contributions have demonstrated a shared vision for a vibrant and inclusive public green space that will positively impact generations to come.

 

To learn more about Allegheny RiverTrail Park, please visit our website at www.AlleghenyRiverTrailPark.org. Updates on the park’s progress will also be shared on social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

Allegheny RiverTrail Park is a 501(c)(3) and a PA State Certified Land Trust and was founded in 2011.  The mission of the organization is to enhance the quality of life for the community by providing free public access to parkland and multi-use trails along the Allegheny River.  We are committed to riverfront revitalization and inclusive community engagement through recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities for a diverse population.