Enhancing the Park Experience
The Allegheny County Parks Foundation was established in the fall of 2007. The Foundation works with Allegheny County to transform and enhance recreational, educational and open space opportunities at the county's nine parks. Today, the Foundation is undertaking capital projects and has identified several other projects in the parks. The intent is to deliver projects and programs in all parks over time. The trail projects in North Park, South Park and Settlers Cabin Park address connectivity of the parks to a county-wide network of existing trails and to the regional network. Trails are popular with outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and are used consistently throughout the year. The South Park Fairgrounds Improvement project is the first step to addressing some of the recommendations of the master plan.
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North Park Lake Area Master Plan
The Master Plan is complete after months of community input and site assessment.
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Eagle Scout Award Program
The Boy Scouts have been using and improving the county parks for decades. This long time tradition continues today and Scout Troops use the parks in their communitites for a variety of outdoor activities and service projects. Eagle Scouts have delivered hundreds of projects including benches, bridges, gardens, solar power demonstrations, trail construction and ADA improvements that enhance the park experience. The Eagle Scout Award Program will help continue this tradition as the Parks Foundation and the Scouts work together to enhance all nine parks.
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North Park Lake Trail
North Park has a beautifully scenic 75-acre lake in the heart of the park. Improvments to the five mile trail are intended to connect the Rachel Carson Trail, a 34-mile trail that extends from North Park to Harrison Hills Park, to improve trail safety for users while providing an opportunity to explore and experience the park's varied ecology.
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South Park Fairgrounds Oval Improvements
The oval track, fields and surrounding areas are all part of the former South Park Fairgrounds. While the County fair is a beloved memory, the fairgrounds continue to be well used for other purposes. This area is the heart of South Park. The improvement project, funded by the Department fo Conservation and Natural Resources, Allegheny County and the Parks Foundation, will begin needed upgrades to the track, fields, and landscaping. As additional funds are raised, additional improvements will be designed and constructed.
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Settler's Cabin Park Connector Trail
Settler's Cabin Park serves a growing population in the western section of the county. The connector trail will link Settler's Cabin Park to the Panhandle Trail, a 29-mile trail that stretches from Carnegie to Weirton, WV. The Panhandle Trail also connects to the Montour Trail. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided a grant of $250,000 which triggers a $250,000 match from Allegheny County for this project.
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South Park Montour Connector Trail
The southern border of South Park is adjacent to the Montour Trail, a 47–mile trail that connects to the Great Allegheny Passage and teh C&O Canal Tow Path, a 330–mile trail network extending from Allegheny County to Washington, D.C.