Allegheny County has launched a major initiative that will boost the redevelopment of its nine regional
parks, which span 12,000 acres.
Designed to expand regional recreational opportunities, the County Parks Action Plan includes the creation of the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, which will raise private funds for nine parks and a proposed riverfront greenway. The County has directed $1 million from its capital budget to start the foundation, and has committed to matching future funds. Public-private partnerships will be established to help operate the parks’ major amenities and attractions.
Last summer, a study conducted by the American Institute for Leisure Resources recommended park upgrades. “We're looking at about sixty million dollars worth of maintenance and upgrade projects. If we get the foundation to raise thirty million that the County would match, that would take care of our existing backlog—everything from fixing park shelters and tennis courts to repaving trails,” says Kevin Evanto with Allegheny County. “There are a lot of opportunities for capital improvements, increasing usability and programming. We want the foundation and donors to be creative." The County is looking at national destinations like
Oglebay Park as models that serve diverse audiences and generate revenue.
The County will issue RFPs for the adaptive reuse of the North Park Boathouse, Hartwood Stables, South Park Fairgrounds, and Boyce Park, and will hire the
National Golf Foundation to review park golf courses. During community meetings, the public will be invited to
provide input on park needs.
In May of 2006, the County announced plans for the 452-acre
Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania, an amenity which is expected to draw more than 300,000 annual visitors.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Kevin Evanto, Allegheny County
Image courtesy of Allegheny County