Blog

Throughout the year, we'll proudly celebrate 30 years of restoring, protecting, and reimagining our city's parks. What began in 1996 as a grassroots effort to save beloved spaces from decades of neglect has grown into a nationally recognized model for urban park stewardship—and we couldn't have done it without you. 

Three Decades, Countless Memories 

Over the years, transformational projects have reshaped Pittsburgh's green spaces into thriving community destinations. A shining example is Schenley Plaza, which turned a former parking lot into a five-acre green oasis in the heart of Oakland. Today, the Plaza is a vibrant hub where students, families, and visitors gather for free programs like the beloved Family Day series, seasonal concerts, carousel rides, and more, creating countless shared memories.  

In 2026, this landmark space will mark its 20th anniversary, a milestone that speaks to the lasting impact of community-driven investment in parks. 

We're also looking ahead to another milestone: the Frick Environmental Center's (FEC) 10th anniversary in 2026. This world-class, LEED Platinum, and Living Building Certified facility has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors since opening, serving as both a gateway to Frick Park and a hub for award-winning environmental education programs for children, youth, and families.  

 It stands as one of the world's greenest public buildings, embodying our commitment to sustainability and accessibility. 

Together, projects like Schenley Plaza and the FEC show how far we've come. In total, the Parks Conservancy has helped raise over $150 million for park improvements, planted tens of thousands of trees, restored trails and habitats, and developed programs that engage youth and families across Pittsburgh. 

Through our longstanding partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, this collective effort helped Pittsburgh break into the Trust for Public Land's Top 15 park systems in the country in 2025—a recognition of both our city's progress and the community's dedication. 

Celebrating the Journey Ahead 

This anniversary year is more than a reflection—it's the start of what's next. Throughout the year, we'll share stories of the people, projects, and partnerships that have shaped Pittsburgh's parks and will continue to guide the future. 

 Look for: 

• Special events and celebrations across the park system. 

• Spotlights on transformative projects, like the Frick Environmental Center, Schenley Plaza, Mellon Square, and so many others.  

• Opportunities to share your own park memories and join us in shaping the next 30 years of impact.  

Join the Countdown to 30 

As we begin our Countdown to 30, we invite you to reflect with us on the countless memories that parks have given to our city—and to imagine the future we can create together. 

Follow along with us throughout the year as we celebrate this milestone, and stay tuned for opportunities to get involved. With your support, the next chapter of Pittsburgh's parks will be just as transformational as the last three decades. 

Here's to 30 years of impact—and to the many memories still to come.