Programs Approved for Education Improvement Tax Credits

We are thrilled to announce that the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s environmental education program has been approved to receive Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC). The Pennsylvania EITC program allows corporations to earn tax credits worth 75-90% of their contribution amount when they donate to approved education programs within the state. Applications for these credits are accepted by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development each year beginning July 1.

Being approved for the EITC program is a testament that the Parks Conservancy has developed innovative, high quality curriculum which enhances the academic program of public schools. This new funding source could provide a major boost to important education opportunities such as the High School Urban EcoSteward program which teaches teenagers important ecological concepts through hands-on learning in the out of doors.

Find out if your company participates in the EITC program and encourage them to support the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s educational programming. Through education, we can ensure children establish meaningful connections with the natural world, and grow the next generation of park stewards.

Fall 2012

Construction began in November at McKinley Park in Beltzhoover to restore the entrance on Amesbury Street and Delmont Avenue. Crews are working to re-surface the parking lot with porous asphalt to increase the absorption of stormwater into the ground. The project also includes an accessible walkway, restoration of the historic stone wall, and the addition of rain gardens.

in this issue

Spring Hat Luncheon Dazzlespage 3

Parks Conservancy Develops Free Mobile App for Parkspage 7

The Porch Roof Hosts Beespage 5

Science Brought to Life in Pittsburgh’s Parks

McKinley Park Project Begins

Students from Propel School in Montour survey a Frick Park stream during the Mission Ground Truth field session.

This fall, our education department moved forward with its newest environmental education program, “Mission Ground Truth:21.” A collaboration between the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Frick Environmental Center, the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, and the Schrader Environmental Center at the Oglebay Institute in Wheeling, West Virginia, the program gives middle school students a foundation in scientific processes of discovery through field experiences in the parks.

The goal of “Mission Ground Truth:21” is to get children outdoors to explore and learn about science, and to make environmental science relevant in every day scenarios. “The program gives students the opportunity to learn about the environment while in the environment,” said Parks Conservancy Education Program Coordinator Taiji Nelson. “We’re giving kids a chance to be scientists for a day, to do what our ecologists do in the field and see that science is more than white lab coats; it’s alive in our parks.”

The program consists of both classroom and field activities that culminate in an all-day field session in Frick Park. Students are first engaged in an orientation session where living and non-living components of Frick Park are characterized. They are given tools to learn to identify trees and insects in the field. Classroom activities give students a more in-depth look at examples of how the park is being affected by human activity. The students then take their knowledge into the park for an all-day field session, spending half of the day in the woodland and half in the stream.

During the woodland component of the field session, students survey the types of trees in the forest to determine its composition. By surveying birds that prefer the interior or the edge of the for-est, students can gain knowledge about habitat quality. The stream component involves surveys of the tiny bugs whose presence or absence indicate how polluted a stream is. The students also use probe ware to measure temperature, flow rate and other data.

“Mission Ground Truth:21” was piloted with Propel Schools in Montour in spring 2012. This fall, the program is taking place in Propel Montour and Winchester Thurston, and will move into four additional schools in spring 2013 – Propel Homestead, Propel McKeesport, The Ellis School and the Environmental Charter School. For more information about “Mission Ground Truth:21,” contact our education department at (412) 682-7275 ext. 232.

“The program gives students the opportunity

to learn about the environment while in

the environment.”

J. Al

tdor

fer Ph

otog

raph

y

Thank You to Our 2012-13 EITC Funders Eat ‘N Park Hospitality Group and Range Resources

Page 2 the VOICE

Dear Friends of Pittsburgh Parks,Two themes come to mind as we prepare

this issue of the Voice—technology and engaging multiple generations of park stewards. Given that the next generation of park users will be the most connected in history, we are working to employ technology to enhance the park experience.

We surveyed over 200 park visitors earlier this year to determine how they would use their mobile phones in a park. Many of the top ten uses were predictable—navigate park trails, find a restroom or other park amenity, and find events. These are the basic things that have appeared in earlier surveys of park users.

But two other highly ranked interests—reporting problems and finding information on plants and wildlife—surprised us. These concerns suggest a deeper connection with the parks; a desire to make them better places and to know more about the natural world preserved within our urban green spaces.

Making parks relevant to users is key to long-term engagement and appreciation of the natural world. For some our parks are a refuge from technology and the demands of instant access, for others we’re learning that technology is crucial to leading park users off the sidewalks that surround our parks into the heart of the parks and back out again.

See you in the park,

Message from the President

Stan

Fran

zos

StaffMeg Cheever, President & CEORichard Reed, Senior Vice PresidentMichael Sexauer, Vice President, AdministrationLaurie Anderson, Director of Grants AdministrationJim Griffin, Director of FacilitiesPhil Gruszka, Director of Park Management and

MaintenanceMarijke Hecht, Director of EducationSusan Rademacher, Parks CuratorKim Barner, Senior AccountantBeth Bodamer, Executive AssistantJoyce Collier, Development Officer – Annual FundErin Copeland, Restoration EcologistBryan Dolney, Field EcologistWilliam Ferguson, Development Officer - Corporate &

Government RelationsKathleen Gaines, Development AssociateAngela Masters, HorticulturistTaiji Nelson, Education Program CoordinatorJessica Romano, Marketing & Communications ManagerHolly Stayton, eCommerce Development OfficerBailey Warren, Education Program Assistant,

AmeriCorps Public Allies

Board of Directors Alan AckermanDan Booker, ChairBrian BronaughLinda BurkeMeg Cheever, ex officioG. Reynolds ClarkAnn DavisSusie DorranceCurt EllenbergHelen FaisonJeremy FeinsteinAudrey Hillman FisherBob HoytElise FrickVaughn GilbertEthel Olmsted HansenHarry HenningerDan Holthaus

Robbee KosakNancy Levine-ArnoldJohn P. Levis IIIDebra MeyerScarlet MorganGary MulhollandBrian MullinsMarlee S. MyersMildred S. MyersIllah R. NourbakhshJim RogalRitchie ScaifeTom SchmidtDianne SwanJerry VorosChristy WiegandMichael G. Zanic

Government Representatives:Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor, City of PittsburghDan Frankel, State RepresentativeNoor Ismail, Director of City Planning, City of PittsburghRob Kaczorowski, Director of Public Works, City of PittsburghMike Radley, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of

Pittsburgh

This year, nearly 900 urban parks professionals convened in New York City’s sweltering summer heat to share their lessons and triumphs. Held every four years in a different city, the City Parks Alliance conference has become a parks management Olympics, with this year’s attendance including representatives from 210 cities and 20 countries. With the topic of “Greater and Greener: Re-Imagining Parks for 21st Century Cities,” attendees – who varied from employees of city parks departments and environmental nonprofits to community activists – participated in more than 100 workshops that covered everything from fundraising to maintenance and play equipment. Last held in Pittsburgh in 2008, the conference provides the unique opportunity to create a global discussion on the importance of urban green space.

The City of Pittsburgh was represented by members of the Department of Public Works and the Department of City Planning, along with members of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff. Parks Conservancy founder and CEO Meg Cheever moderated a discussion on public private/partnerships in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. New York City hosts prime examples of such partnerships including Friends of the High Line, who operate the now famous High Line Park in the Meatpacking District, and

the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy who maintain the lush park space in lower Manhattan known for its striking vistas of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.

Parks Curator Susan Rademacher spoke at a panel discussion titled “People Over Cars,” where the remarkable transformation of an Oakland parking lot into the vibrant park entrance that is Schenley Plaza was highlighted. As Susan reported, “The Plaza is the perfect model – along with case studies from Dallas and Madrid – of how to turn gray into green. It is possible to transform a parking lot into a cherished and vital community place.”

When U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar took the podium on the last day, he reminisced with attendees about his lifelong connection with nature that began as a child. He lamented that most children now spend an average of four minutes a day playing in the outdoors. “Promoting and building parks is about jobs and health,” he said, adding that these two things are directly related to quality of life. As he looked out upon a sea of people responsible for designing, building, and advocating for parks he implored us to be the difference. “Have the audacity to dream,” he encouraged.

Volunteers clear a landslide site on the Panther Hollow Stream Trail in Schenley Park.

Urban Parks Conference Focuses on Parks in the 21st Century

Returning for a third year, the popular Panther Hollow Extravaganza took place on Saturday, Oct. 20 in Schenley Park. The event brought volunteers together to help improve the health and beauty of sites throughout the Panther Hollow Watershed, Oakland and Schenley Park. Nearly 200 volunteers joined the Parks Conservancy’s staff to plant 125 trees, both in Schenley Park and on the streets of Oakland, thanks to a partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Tree Pittsburgh and the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation. Other activities included trail work and vine work in the Panther Hollow Watershed. Thank you to our partners and to everyone who participated!

Volunteers Plant 125 Trees During 3rd Panther Hollow Extravaganza

Event Partners:

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

City of Pittsburgh

Oakland Planning and Development Corp.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Pitt Make a Difference Day

Pitt United Day of Caring

Springboard Design

Student Conservation Association

Tree Pittsburgh

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Fall 2012 Page 3

The PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon returned to Frick Park, the site of the Parks Conservancy’s first restoration project and first Spring Hat Luncheon in 1999. Lead by this year’s dedicated Co-Chairs, Debbie Demchak, Annie Hanna Engel, Jessica O’Brien, and Gabriela Porges, the luncheon welcomed 567 guests donning hats of all colors, shapes and sizes. Making her debut as event designer, Allison McGeary Florist brought vibrant shades of fuchsia and tangerine to the white tent set in beautiful Frick Park.

This year’s event raised over $520,000 for our city parks. In addition, 25 trees and nine oak leaf hydrangea shrubs were adopted by patrons of the Spring Hat Luncheon. The trees and shrubs will be planted in Frick Park. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success!

Mellon Square Construction UpdateAt Mellon Square in Downtown Pittsburgh, workers install the hand railing and complete the finishing touches on the new Terrace. The Terrace, a green space for relaxing and entertainment overlooking Smithfield Street, will expand the useable space in Mellon Square by 15%. Planted with a new lawn, Amelanchier (“service berry”) and crab apple trees, viburnum and holly bushes, the Terrace offers bench seating and features a new green roof directly above the shops on Smithfield Street. Restoration of the Cascade Fountain is also underway. The historic Central Fountain is also being restored (read more about the restoration of the bronze basins on Page 4). Completion of the Mellon Square restoration is slated for summer 2013.

2012 Co-Chairs Gabriela Porges, Debbie Demchak, Annie Hanna Engel, and Jessica O’Brien

Meg Cheever with Pennsylvania’s First Lady Susan Corbett

Stan

Fran

zos

J. Al

tdor

fer Ph

otog

raph

yStan Franzos

PlatinumRitchie Scaife

DiamondSusie Dorrance

EQTAudrey Hillman Fisher

Debra Kline DemchakEat ‘n Park

Hospitality GroupGus & Annie Hanna Engel

Federated Investors Foundation, Inc.

Gateway FinancialGiant Eagle

Henne Jewelers The H.J. Heinz Company

Sam & Joanie Kamin

Levin Furniture Macy’s

Pepper Hamilton, LLPReed Smith

Robb Leonard Mulvihill, LLP

Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP

Kiya Tomlin UPMC Health Plan

UPMC Center for Inclusion

Thank You to the Generous Sponsors of the 2012 PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Spring Hat Luncheon:

EmeraldNadine E. Bognar

Gold Howard Hanna

Real Estate Services Gabriela Porges

Christy Wiegand & Barbara Wiegand

Bronze

Jane D. BurtonCarnegie Mellon University

Fifth Third BankTeresa Heinz

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

The Hillman Company

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP

PJ Dick & TrumbullPittsburgh Magazine

Jessica O’BrienUniversity of Pittsburgh

Silver

Spring Hat Luncheon Dazzles in Frick Park

Save the Date!

Saturday, May 4, 2013Schenley Park at the Overlook

Page 4 the VOICEEd DuM

ont

Restoration of Mellon Square Bronze Basins a Delicate and Intricate Process

Artist Michael Kraus uses a classical hot patina process to restore the Mellon Square Basins.

Among the many striking features of Downtown Pittsburgh’s Mellon Square is the Central Fountain which features nine 1,800 lb bronze basins. Created by Matthews International in 1955, they are reportedly the largest basins ever cast in a single solid piece. As a focal point in the space, the restoration of these extraordinary pieces is crucial to a successful restoration of Mellon Square. In January of this year, the basins were fork lifted out of the Square and sent back to Matthews to be restored. Among the many fabrication repairs, the restoration of the basins to original color is crucial.

Few people realize that the deep brown color we’ve come to associate with bronze is not the metal’s natural shade. Comprised of a combination of copper and tin, raw bronze is actually a dull yellow similar in appearance to brass. What gives bronze its warm, golden luster is a process called patina. While patina happens naturally via oxidation and exposure to the elements over time, most bronze sculptures have been aged synthetically to capture the artist’s desired color.

Michael Kraus, a sculptor, and curator for the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, learned the remarkable art of patina decades ago when he first observed his own pieces going through the process at the foundry. He’s developed the patina on many new pieces including the 8 foot high plaque which sits in the rotunda of the Capital Building in Washington D.C. to memorialize the passengers and crew of Flight 93, as well as doing restoration work on historic pieces including monuments at the Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland. Restoring the tortoise shell brown color to Mellon Square’s nine basins will add to his impressive resume.

Kraus uses a classical hot patina process that has changed little since the days of Michelangelo. To prepare the metal, all of the basins were sandblasted with a product called “black beauty” which is less

coarse than sand, but still leaves the metal clean. Next, Kraus and his assistant, Bill Williams, use torches to heat the entire bowl to a temperature of 180 degrees. “As we’re heating it you can actually see the metal get wet,” says Kraus, “it looks like there’s water coming out of the metal, but it’s really just condensation.” Once the entire piece is heated, the arduous task of developing the perfect color can commence. Kraus slowly reheats small sections of the metal and sprays a mist of a chemical solution comprised of Ferric Nitrate onto the heated bronze. The color the metal turns is the result of how hot it is and how much of the solution is applied. “The color has to develop slowly,” he says. “It’s like developing a picture.”

The same Scotch Brite pads you use to scrub out the kitchen sink at home help Kraus even the color once the chemicals have done their work. Since bronze is an alloy comprised of two metals – copper and tin – the chemicals react differently across the surface of the basin. Kraus uses the coarse pads to scrub distilled water in the areas that appear uneven. When he is satisfied with the color blend, the entire basin is washed with sponges to remove particulate debris. Finally, each basin is covered with two coats of UV protective wax in order to stop the patina process and give the piece a sheen that emphasizes the richness of the color. From beginning to end, each basin takes the two artists 18-20 hours to complete.

“I’ve really been happy to be part of this project not only because it’s a landmark, but I like the thinking process of the whole thing,” says Kraus. “What was the artist’s intention? What did he envision? It’s not just a job; it’s a lot of people’s feelings, opinions, and knowledge, and we’re going to see the culmination of that when the whole thing is put together and switched on.”

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy hosted the Westinghouse Memorial and Landscape Renewal Dinner on November 1 at the Pittsburgh Golf Club. With 115 guests in attendance, the dinner raised more than $300,000 to kick off fundraising for the restoration of the Westinghouse Memorial and landscape in Schenley Park.

Dinner Co-Chairs Tim and Linda Burke, Dinner Chair Alex Speyer III, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy President and CEO Meg Cheever (left to right)La

ura M

ustio

Westinghouse Memorial Event

Fall 2012 Page 5M

ark B

road

hurst

The Porch Roof Hosts Bees, Explores Honey Production When Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group opened The Porch at Schenley restaurant in Schenley Plaza in November 2011, they did so with an adamant commitment to fresh, sustainable food. In addition to a roof top garden, which allows the chef to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables on site, the restaurant’s roof now hosts its own honey-generating beehive.

For Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group’s Director of Concept Development, Mark Broadhurst, the Porch bees are a bit of a passion project resulting from a connection with the local non-profit Burgh Bees through one of his company’s chefs. “There’s a big movement right now in the food world for the plight of bees,” says Broadhurst. “People fear that Colony Collapse Disorder is wiping out our honeybees and that would affect food production down the road. With the Plaza being in a high visibility location and the Parks Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability, we thought the bees would be a good tie in.”

“Honeybees are responsible for pollinating over one third of the food we eat – apples, pumpkins, berries, cucumbers, almonds, and even all of the flowers that we take for granted,” says Stephen Repasky, Burgh Bees Vice President and Apiary Director. Repasky, who manages the bee colony on the roof at The Porch, says that Colony Collapse Disorder is responsible for

a decline in the honeybee population of about 30% each year. “The folks at The Porch wanted to do their part to make a local impact,” he says.

A mature colony can include anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 bees, so Broadhurst was initially concerned about placing an active hive on the roof of the restaurant. His apprehension subsided when Repasky explained that honeybees just get a bad rap. “Honeybees are extremely docile,” says Repasky. “They are not the wasps and hornets that people usually associate with being stung, but unfortunately society lumps any stinging insect into a ‘bee’ and that is not the case.” He points out that a honeybee is more interested in the Plaza’s gardens than you. Since the bee will die if it stings you, it will only do so defensively, whereas a wasp or hornet may sting unprovoked.

Our sweet tooth for The Porch’s house-made honey will have to wait since the colony will need about a year to get fully established. Repasky says that if all goes well, the bees will begin producing 40-60 pounds of honey per year beginning next spring.

Learn more about the importance of urban bees at http://burghbees.com or visit our blog at pittsburghparks.wordpress.com and click on “Bee Concerned” under Recent Posts.

Stephen Repasky of Burgh Bees works with the beehive located on the roof of The Porch.

Parks Conservancy Dedicates PNC Children’s Plaza

On August 28, a ceremony and ribbon-cutting was held to dedicate the PNC Children’s Plaza, a garden and amphitheater located in Schenley Plaza. The Parks Conservancy installed the permanent display in appreciation of PNC’s continued and significant support. Eat ‘N Park Hospitality Group, which owns and operates The Porch at Schenley restaurant in Schenley Plaza, generously underwrote the construction of the PNC Children’s Plaza.

Designed by Pittsburgh-based landscape architecture firm, La Quatra Bonci Associates, the PNC Children’s Plaza is fittingly located across from another example of PNC’s support, the PNC Carousel.

Members of the Parks Conservancy staff and Board of Directors were joined by members of PNC and Eat ‘N Park Hospitality Group for the ribbon-cutting. Sally McCrady, Deputy Executive Director of PNC’s Grow Up Great program, spoke about PNC’s commitment to children. “The more time our region’s children spend developing an appreciation for the outdoors, the more likely they will grow up to become park users and stewards of our natural resources,” she remarked at the ceremony.

The PNC Children’s Plaza features Paperbark maple trees, Inkberry Holly shrubs, hardy geraniums and other plants, and benches built to seat children. The area will host children’s programming and entertainment as part of the free activities that take place in Schenley Plaza.

“The success of Schenley Plaza is due in large part to successful partnerships,” commented Richard Reed, Senior Vice President. “The Parks Conservancy and the people of Pittsburgh are grateful to PNC and Eat ‘N Park for helping us complete the vision for this space.”

PNC’s Sally McCrady and Parks Conservancy Senior Vice President Richard Reed were joined by local children for the dedication of the PNC Children’s Plaza.

Westinghouse Memorial Event

Page 6 the VOICE

Maintaining the Parks: A Delicate Balance of Fundraising and PlanningFor 16 years the Parks Conservancy has been known for its park restoration and improvement projects. But the untold story about restoring the park system to excellence is often maintenance. Once a park, monument or facility is restored, the challenge becomes keeping it in excellent shape for generations to come. Raising funds for such a task can be difficult, as can determining a budget for the unforeseen problems that can arise over time. Although it can be a lofty goal, the Parks Conservancy believes in developing maintenance plans and raising maintenance funds for all new projects. Complicating this goal is the fact that the Parks Conservancy receives no operating dollars from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

Schenley PlazaThe management and maintenance plan

for each completed capital project is different. Schenley Plaza, for example, is leased from the City by the Parks Conservancy, which manages day-to-day operations according to a written agreement between the City and the Parks Conservancy. The City provides a basic level of daily maintenance. The funds necessary for horticulture, programming, security and operations are raised by the Parks Conservancy.

During the planning stage of the Schenley Plaza project, an initial maintenance and operating fund was raised. That fundraising

Phil-osophy

Phil Gruszka, Director of Parks Management and Maintenance, talks about trees and managing the park environment.

If you have questions for Phil, please email info@pittsburghparks.org with “Phil” in the subject line. We will do our best to address them.

How do you select the right trees for a landscape?

The process of selecting trees is becoming more difficult because we have more threats to our trees now than ever before. To keep our park forests and landscapes healthy and thriving, we must go beyond site characteristics (soil type, location in the landscape, sun and shade), and historically significant landscape designs and intents, to also anticipate potential threats to park trees.

When we develop a planting plan, we look at native and non-native trees that are or were in the park landscape, then perform a risk assessment to determine the threats to those tree species, and check availability with our local nurseries.

What is risk assessment?

The best examples are the threats that are already here in Pittsburgh’s parks, such as oak wilt disease and Emerald Ash Borer. We would not plant trees that are susceptible to this disease and insect, as they would certainly add to the tree loss we’re already facing. We know that Pittsburgh is in a watch area for the Asian longhorn beetle, which is not present in the area currently, but could appear at a moment’s notice, so we have to consider what that means to Pittsburgh and invest in trees which are not good hosts for that bug. Additionally, we still have the Dutch elm disease, Gypsy moth, Chestnut blight, and a lengthy list of other diseases to contend with. These destructive insects and diseases are affecting the biological diversity of tree species and limiting what our future urban forest will look like.

Stan Franzos

J. Al

tdor

fer Ph

otog

raph

y

Director of Facilities Jim Griffin (right) works with Scott Logan of Eisler Landscapes on site at Mellon Square.

Are there any trees that are not susceptible to any of the current and potential threats?

Unfortunately there are very few tree species that we can invest in and plant knowing that there will be a long-term return on our investment. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff ecologists see this as our greatest threat and are working diligently to encourage significant ecological diversity in the plant species lists to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss. We are also developing relationships with scientists, landscapers, nurserymen and practitioners in order to assure our future forests and landscapes will be as resilient as our current ones.

We consider every tree we plant an investment in the future, like putting an investment in the stock market. What we plant today will help preserve and grow our park forests for generations to come.

effort was designed to create resources to operate the Plaza for three years, which the Parks Conservancy was able to extend to six by seeking both additional revenues and by achieving operational efficiencies once the Plaza was up and running. Some revenue sources to sustain the Plaza come from the Carousel, event rentals, food kiosk leases, and now The Porch at Schenley lease. The restaurant was part of the original strategic plan for developing revenue streams to support park operations.Mellon Square

At Mellon Square, once the restoration is complete, the Parks Conservancy will provide a daily security and housekeeping presence, and provide ongoing horticultural care over and above the City’s current level. However, because Mellon Square is a hardscape park with fountains, stonework, electrical and irrigation systems, the ongoing maintenance of the space will be costly. Unlike Schenley Plaza, there is little potential for on-site income. Therefore, in order to preserve Mellon Square, the Parks Conservancy included a $4 million maintenance fund in its fundraising plan. “Mellon Square is ideal because we can count on having the resources to keep this park in the best shape possible,” said Phil Gruszka, Director of Parks Management and Maintenance. He stressed that having a maintenance fund ensures the bright future of the park. “The City and the Parks Conservancy have the same goal; to keep the parks as safe, user-friendly and beautiful as possible for generations.” All this requires planning for ongoing maintenance and future improvements.

Fall 2012 Page 7

Proposed screen shot of the parks mobile app, designed by Deeplocal.

Sponsored by:

Want to navigate a Frick Park trail? Find an open restroom in Riverview Park? See what events are going on in Schenley Plaza? Soon there will be an app for that. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is currently developing a free mobile application to be used in Pittsburgh’s parks, with these features and more. The app is being funded by UPMC Health Plan as an extension of the Parks Are Free campaign. The Parks Conservancy selected Pittsburgh-based design and development firm Deeplocal to create the app. The app will provide information to help users navigate and enjoy five Pittsburgh parks: Schenley, Frick, Highland, Riverview and Emerald View. The goal of the mobile application is to make Pittsburgh’s parks more accessible and user-friendly, and thus promote the

benefits of our great parks, especially those that support a healthy lifestyle.

The Parks Conservancy surveyed its members while creating the mobile app concept, the results of which are driving the early functionality of the app. When asked how they would use a mobile phone app in our parks, over 90% of the 200+ survey respondents indicated park trail information and navigation were priorities, making it the app’s main feature. Other desired features include finding restrooms, learning about events in the parks,

and reporting park problems.The partnership between UPMC

Health Plan and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is based on the joint belief

that active park use leads to healthier lifestyles and healthier communities. The free

app is aimed at getting people into the parks and making the most of them, and providing dynamic, localized information to users while they are in the park.

Deeplocal is internationally known for unique projects such as the Nike Chalkbot, and locally known for projects such as the ParkPGH app, which helps drivers find open parking spaces Downtown.

The app will be available in both Android and iPhone versions. In the testing phase this fall and winter, the app is expected to launch in spring 2013. If you want to receive information about the launch of the app, make sure your email is registered with the Parks Conservancy by contacting us at info@pittsburghparks.org.

With UPMC health Plan’s Support, Parks Conservancy Develops Free Mobile App

Take advantage of one of the easiest and most convenient ways to support Pittsburgh’s parks! You can make a gift to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy by payroll contribution through EarthShare’s workplace giving program at numerous private companies, many state and municipal government organizations, and in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), by selecting CFC # 18685 on your pledge form. Contributions to EarthShare support a broad range of charities committed to protecting public health and our air, land, water and wildlife. To learn more and encourage your employer to participate in EarthShare’s workplace giving program, visit www.earthshare.org.

Thank you to the Alcoa Foundation, whose

generous grant provided trees for Riverview Park and Allegheny

Commons to be planted during the volunteer days.

Frick Environmental Center Walking TourThe Parks Conservancy hosted a Walk and Talk informational event on October 11 to share the latest designs and outreach plans for the proposed Environmental Center at Frick Park. Director of Education Marijke Hecht led the community on two tours of the site.

Parks Conservancy Participates in FontanaFestCommunity events like FontanaFest in September in Southside Riverfront Park give the staff an opportunity to talk to the public about our city’s parks and the mission of the Parks Conservancy. FontanaFest is an annual day-long festival aimed at highlighting the family-oriented activities that can be done on or near Pittsburgh’s three rivers.

O’Connor Golf Course Now Audubon CertifiedThe Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park was recently named an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course. A cooperative effort between the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Audubon International, this program promotes ecologically sound land management and the conservation of natural resources. Golf courses work towards a series of certificates to qualify, in categories such as environmental planning, water quality management, and wildlife and habitat management. Parks Conservancy Ecologist Erin Copeland served as an advisor to the certification.

J. Al

tdor

fer Ph

otog

raph

y

Ann Davis Ann Davis is the owner of Typhoon Lighting in Regent Square where they have installed permeable pavement and rain barrels to contribute to minimizing storm water runoff. Ann has lived in Pittsburgh all her life, and at one time or another she has run on every park trail in Pittsburgh’s four regional parks.

Why do you support the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy? My family and I are heavy park users. I’ve raised four kids in these parks. I live near Frick Park and I’m

there with my dogs constantly. These parks have a really long history here and I’d like to see them kept in really good shape. They’re really a treasure. They’re a tremendous value to the City, to the atmosphere of the city, and to the draw the city has on people moving here. They raise the value of the city property and neighborhoods when they’re maintained.

Which is your favorite of the Parks Conservancy’s current projects?I live right by the Environmental Center on Beechwood Blvd in Frick Park. When it was burned down in

2002 it was a real tragedy. I see the employees over there and how they’ve hung in there all this time out of trailers and it’s pretty wonderful. They’ve kept the programs running. The parks should have an educational function. I’m really happy the City and the Parks Conservancy are working together to build a new Environmental Center.

Board Spotlight

{Parks} are a tremendous value

to the City.

I love the idea of being able to live in the city and yet be able to go for a run in a place of peace and solace

and beauty.

This year the Parks Conservancy welcomed three new members to our Board of Directors, Ann Davis, Susie Dorrance, and Bob Hoyt.

Susie Dorrance

Susie Dorrance and her husband Roy have been generous supporters of the Parks Conservancy since its beginning. From 2008-2011, Susie served as Co-Chair for the PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon. Her discerning taste and enthusiastic fundraising raised the bar for the annual benefit, contributing to the most profitable Hat Luncheon to date in 2011.

Why do you support the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy?

My husband and I are native Pittsburghers. We’ve lived on the edges of three of our city’s four major parks, which we considered treasures much in need of restoration. We welcomed the establishment of the Parks Conservancy and are incredibly proud of its many accomplishments. It’s a privilege to support an organization whose efforts and results are so clearly evident and transforming.

What was your favorite part of being a Hat Luncheon Co-Chair?I felt that being a Hat Luncheon Co-Chair for four years was an

honor and a delightful experience in many ways. I love to plan a party! You can imagine the fun it was for me to be involved in planning four huge parties, which took place under tents in glorious settings, to which everyone wore a hat, and all for a terrific cause!

Which is your favorite of the completed Parks Conservancy projects?Since my husband and I currently live on the edge of Schenley

Park, I’d have to say that my favorite of the Parks Conservancy’s completed projects is the Schenley Park Visitor Center. It’s clearly the project that I experience the most, since we often walk in that area. In all seasons, the Center is such a welcoming presence in the Park, as it accommodates a wonderfully wide array of uses.

Which is your favorite of the current Parks Conservancy projects?It’s hard for me to choose a favorite current Conservancy project,

since they’re all so different, and I’m genuinely enthusiastic about all of them! I guess I’d choose the education and volunteer programs. Hopefully, they’ll ensure the perspective of our parks as treasured natural spaces to be enjoyed and well maintained.

It’s a privilege to support an

organization whose efforts and results

are so clearly evident and transforming.

Bob Hoyt Bob Hoyt moved his family from Washington D.C. to the Pittsburgh area three years ago when he accepted his position as Executive Vice President, Senior Deputy General Counsel, and Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer of PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. An avid runner, Bob connected quickly with Schenley Park’s beautiful trails and overlook after his family moved into their Squirrel Hill home.

Why did you become involved with the Parks Conservancy?

My wife and I use the parks a lot. We live within a short walk and an even shorter run of Schenley Park and we’re out making use of the park at least five times a week. When the opportunity came up to get more involved I was very excited about it. The parks are gorgeous here, it’s something the city is known for. I love the idea of being able to live in the city and so close to Downtown and yet be able to go for a run every morning in an area where I feel like I’m out in the

wilderness in a place of peace and solace and beauty.

Why do you support the Conservancy? One of the things that I think contributes to the Parks

Conservancy’s success is bringing the people who benefit from and use the parks together with the City in a public/private partnership. Everybody’s got something vested to try and preserve this asset. I think it says to the public that this is an asset and if you enjoy it you need to play a role, whether it’s going to a trash pickup day to keep it clean or to rehabilitate it by supporting it financially. I think you really see the people in the city stepping up to do that. It also gives them a greater voice about these parks and what they’ll be like.

What’s your favorite Parks Conservancy project?The Westinghouse Memorial restoration actually got me very

excited about joining the Conservancy and I know it’s going to be near and dear to my heart. I go running with my wife on the weekends and pass it all the time. It’s this gorgeous setting and yet it has this pool – if you can call it that, it’s sort of more muck than anything else – and it could be so beautiful. The fact that I can get involved when we’re tackling that problem is particularly exciting to me. It’s funny, it’s just something that I had seen and thought that I would be in support of doing something to rehabilitate it. I think it started off as my favorite even before I knew the project existed.

Laur

a Mus

tioM

ary J

ane B

ent

Cour

tesy

of PN

C Ban

k