Downtown Allegheny Riverfront Park Renovations Begin

PITTSBURGH, PA — Groundbreaking occurred Thursday on a $5.4 million rehabilitation of the Downtown Allegheny Riverfront Park's upper promenade, a key component of the ambitious Sister Bridges Experience.

Spearheaded by the nonprofit Riverlife organization in collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Sister Bridges Experience's goal is to create a cross-river destination connecting the Cultural District, the Andy Warhol Museum’s Pop District, and North Side attractions via the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges.

The project's linchpins are the restoration of the Allegheny Riverfront Park, Downtown, and the renovation of the Allegheny Landing on the North Shore.

“Riverlife has been honored to lead the rehabilitation of Allegheny Riverfront Park,” Matthew Galluzzo, Riverlife president and CEO., said Thursday.

“In collaboration with the original design team, we’ve made intentional choices to celebrate the park’s history while ensuring this park is celebrated as a welcoming space for all. This is one of the first in a series of investments in open spaces downtown, and strengthens the connection between Pittsburgh’s people, its rivers, and its evolving urban landscape.”

Among the key enhancements to be made to the park:

• Bluestone pavers: Thicker pavers of a harder bluestone will be laid in a new configuration to increase overall durability and resilience. The pavers are intentionally brick-sized to withstand pressure from heavy equipment.
• Tree Canopy work: Some trees will be removed and 35 new trees will be added to enhance the canopy and increase shade. Soil will also be rejuvenated to increase nutrient availability to the trees.
• Other improvements: The park’s corners will be widened to improve sightlines and create better pedestrian flow. New light poles and bollards will be added. Expanded open areas will be able to host food trucks, temporary art and small events.
• Sustainable Maintenance: The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works will adopt best practices for snow removal using gentler de-icing materials. In addition, the use of vehicles in the center of the park will be limited. Riverlife has also created a $1M care and maintenance endowment to ensure the park's long-term upkeep.

The project is expected to be completed in November.