Flagstaff Hill The overall goal is to preserve the site's historic integrity, improve its ecological health, and increase its use.
Flagstaff Hill is not only an iconic Pittsburgh destination that people of all ages enjoy year-round, but it's also the site of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's most recent capital improvement project. This popular landmark, directly opposite Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, attracts thousands of visitors annually who enjoy its panoramic views of the Oakland neighborhood and city skyline.
The second phase of the Flagstaff Hill project will begin in 2025.
EHANCING PITTSBURGH'S GREENSPACE
The project’s first phase, completed in 2022, focused on restoring the historic hand-hewn stone entry steps, retaining walls, and terrace, creating a more inviting entrance near Phipps Conservatory for visitors and event-goers. Alongside these renovations, new gardens featuring sustainable native plants were added to frame the park’s east and west entrances. Bioswales, green infrastructure, and reduced impervious surfaces were incorporated to address stormwater runoff and erosion issues.
The improvements also included park benches along the connecting paths for visitors to enjoy scenic views from Flagstaff Hill. The overlook terrace was repaved with permeable pavers to enhance its function as a gathering space.
In 2025, in partnership with CMU, the Parks Conservancy will advance the following work as part of the next phase of construction:
- Reconstruct existing pathways to provide smooth, accessible walking surfaces.
- Install new pathway and stair connections that leverage recent streetscape and pedestrian/cyclist safety improvements on Frew Street (led by CMU) and better connect
the park to campus and the surrounding area. - Create a new overlook gathering space.
- Repair and upgrade existing stormwater infrastructure that has led to severe erosion of pathways and infrastructure.
- New tree plantings and site furnishings to create a calm and comfortable environment for visitors.
In future phases, the Parks Conservancy will reinterpret the 1930s azalea garden with a new “woodland garden” of native species to honor the historic landscape. Additionally, an ecological restoration program will safeguard the health of Schenley Park’s mature tree stands for generations.
This project will ensure that thousands of neighborhood residents, park visitors, patrons of nearby cultural institutions, and students and staff from nearby universities can access a safe, beautiful, ecologically sound, and welcoming space that reflects the City of Pittsburgh’s commitment to investing in urban parks and green spaces for all.
