Where You Can Borrow a Backpack to Enjoy Pittsburgh Parks

There are four themed backpacks to help make your next park visit educational and enjoyable.

August 31, 2020
Richard Cook

STREAM BACKPACK

PHOTOS COURTESY PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY

The next time you visit a city of Pittsburgh Park, you might consider borrowing a backpack from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. If you want to learn about insects and butterflies, the Meadows-themed backpack has everything you need. If you are more into a good workout, try the Health-themed backpack.
There are four themed backpacks, each available to rent for $10.

Meadow Backpack: for learning about insects, spiders and butterflies and common meadow creatures
Forest Backpack: featuring a Bird Identiflyer for identifying and making bird calls
Stream Backpack: includes tools such as a sieve and aquaviewer, for discovering what lives in a pond or creek
Health Backpack: with hiking poles, a hammock and a FitBit to track your workout

“Even though our parks are located in the heart of a major city, they provide lots of opportunity to discover the magic of nature,” says Camila Rivera-Tinsley, the Conservancy’s director of education. “Every day is different, so you never know what you’re going to find in the woods or on a trail on a given day, plus it’s a great way to enjoy a day off, whether it’s sunny, cloudy or even a little bit rainy.”

Start here to reserve a backpack before 3 p.m. on the Friday of your reservation date. The backpacks can be borrowed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. All backpacks must be returned by 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Backpack Lending program is made possible by the Katherine Bassara Memorial Fund and the Howard and Carol Lang Family Foundation Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/where-you-can-borrow-a-backpack-to-enjoy-pittsburgh-parks/