At Green Light Wireless, we love to celebrate all things green! So, this Earth Month, we want to celebrate some of our favorite green spaces in the city. From forests to inner city lawns, our city boasts some phenomenal outdoor spaces to rest, relax, and recreate.
Emerald View Park
Mt. Washington is famous for its views of the city, and Emerald View Park provides over 250 acres to take in the sights. Connecting and surrounding the neighborhoods of Mt. Washington, Duquesne Heights, and Allentown, it has 11 miles of connected trails, paths, and sidewalks that allow you to explore these wooded hillsides.
August Wilson Park
In 2016, this park underwent a full restoration from its original 1975 design. It now celebrates the beauty of nature and the art and history of the Hill District. Quotes from the park’s namesake, August Wilson, and vintage photos from Charles “Teenie” Harris are intertwined with neighborhood park favorites like a basketball half-court and a playground.
Schenley Park
Schenley Park’s windy, tree-lined streets are home to one of the most unique annual events in Pittsburgh, the Vintage Grand Prix. But even without a classic automobile, there are so many things to do year-round in the park. Explore hiking trails, bike, ice skate, play tennis, soccer, softball, disc golf, swim, or just look out over the skyline. Pro tip: Start at the Cafe & Visitors Center to get some caffeine and plan your fun using the complementary GLW Wi-Fi!
Phipps Conservatory
Also located in Schenley Park is one of the true jewels of Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory. Founded in 1893, the botanical garden and greenhouse complex is renowned for its stunning collection of plant species from around the world. The themed gardens transport you from the desert to Victorian England, while also showcasing beautiful seasonal displays. From the vibrant orchids to the towering palm trees, it’s enjoyable for all ages.
Carnegie Library Lawn
Down the street from Phipps, the lawn of Oakland’s Carnegie Library, the city’s main library, is a great place to curl up with a book. Giant trees create a great canopy, and the library provides almost limitless options for tales to get lost in. Grab some snacks or hop on a carousel ride across the street in Schenley Plaza. For an extra glimpse of ancient nature, look out the windows while browsing the library’s stacks to look down on the dinosaurs in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Sycamore Island
This undeveloped, forested island in the Allegheny is one of the few open to the public. The island’s history has changed over the generations, moving from a natural refuge to one of the first bird sanctuaries in the area to a boat club. Hiking, camping, and mushroom foraging are all popular activities.
Barking Slopes
Barking Slopes is not the name of a dog park in the South Side, but it should be. This conservation area along the Allegheny is a steep-walled and forested valley. From the ridges, you can look into the river valley and Springdale, which allows you to understand how local resident Rachel Carson would be inspired to study and protect such beauty,
Gateway Center Island: Faith’s Garden
Lush green spaces aren’t exclusive to outside the city. The Gateway Center Island provides a beautiful entrance as you come into town from the Fort Pitt Bridge. It offsets the shining glass of the Gateway T Station and provides a connection between the concrete of the city and the lush greens of Point State Park.
Allegheny Cemetery
You don’t usually think of a cemetery as a recreational greenspace, but Allegheny Cemeteries’ 300 acres provide a beautiful backdrop for walks and picnics. It’s common to see deer, groundhogs, and squirrels enjoying the scenery as well. While you wander, you can find beautiful statues and the resting places of hundreds of notable Pittsburghers.
Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons
We love our rivers, but in the heart of the North Side is a beautiful lake. Allegheny Commons is Pittsburgh’s oldest park with a number of Victorian features from its original 1867 opening. Lake Elizabeth used to be a popular place for swimming, boating, and skating, but lives now as the park’s water feature. A beautiful place to enjoy your Gus and Yiayia’s ice ball on a hot summer day.
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