Introducing
UpKeep
What is UpKeep?
Launched in spring 2025, UpKeep is a groundbreaking coordinated care initiative for Pittsburgh’s riverfronts—a long-term solution to the everyday challenges of maintaining a 15-mile “Loop” of parks, trails, and public spaces. Led by Riverlife and funded through a permanent endowment created by a landmark gift from an anonymous funder, UpKeep brings new resources, equipment, and coordination to elevate the quality and consistency of riverfront maintenance.
This generational investment allows Riverlife to make unprecedented commitments to maintenance equipment—such as pressure washers, service vehicles, storage facilities, and hand tools—and to contract directly with nonprofit partners for on-the-ground work. In 2025 alone, Riverlife is deploying over $500,000 to support infrastructure development, litter and debris removal, vegetation management, pressure washing, and on-the-water cleanups that improve the visitor experience.
UpKeep is delivered through a strong coalition of public and nonprofit partners, including the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works, Allegheny CleanWays, Friends of the Riverfront, Landforce, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Together, these partners bring the expertise and commitment needed to care for Pittsburgh’s riverfronts—today and for generations to come.
