Allegheny Riverfront Park
Allegheny Riverfront Park is owned by the City of Pittsburgh. In 1994, planning began on land that was defined by multilevel high-speed roadways and a desolate riverfront parking lot between the 6th, 7th, and 9th Street Bridges – now named for Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson, respectively, and known as the Sister Bridges.
Led by Carol Brown, then-president of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the planning effort selected Brooklyn-based Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and artists Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil to work collaboratively on a design that would create pedestrian access to the river’s edge. It would incorporate visual art into a new landscape of riverfront trees and boulders, transforming an underutilized riverfront into a destination. The lower level of the park was completed in 1998, and the upper level was completed and open to the public with the dedication in 2000.
After two decades of being “loved to death,” the upper level of Allegheny Riverfront Park is being re-envisioned as part of Riverlife’s Completing the Loop vision plan. The park is in dire need of rehabilitation to improve accessibility and provide a world-class experience for park users while honoring the history of the prominent riverfront landscape. In 2021, Riverlife, the City of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust entered into a partnership to complete a $5.4 million rehabilitation of Allegheny Riverfront Park. Riverlife, the Trust, and the City of Pittsburgh are working with original park designers Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. and local landscape architecture firm LaQuatra Bonci Associates to restore the upper level.
Among the key enhancements to the original park’s design:
- Bluestone pavers: At least 60% of the original pavers have degraded, due to a variety of reasons, including water infiltration, traffic, and the use of salt for ice removal. The original pavers were cut in varied lengths and narrow widths that collapsed as water, salt, and pressure was introduced over time. To address this, thicker pavers of a harder bluestone have been sourced. They 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. Thicker pavers will be used at the corners for added strength. A thermal finish will ensure better water runoff and less flaking.
- Tree Canopy work: Public safety and program improvements in the park will lead to the removal of some trees, 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.
- Public safety and activation: 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 can host activities like 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 long-term upkeep.
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Managing Partner
Allegheny Riverfront Park is owned and managed by the City of Pittsburgh. Riverlife is currently leading restoration planning efforts with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in partnership with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates with support from Pittsburgh-based landscape architecture firm LaQuatra Bonci Associates. Additional partners in this work include Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and the Office of Public Art together with the City of Pittsburgh.
