Work nears completion on $1.5 million Frick Park renovation project

PITTSBURGH — It’s been a long time in the making, but soon, the Outdoor Discovery Space and Sensory Nature Trail will be complete at the Frick Environmental Center. Those behind the initiative told Channel 11 there’s nothing quite like it in Pittsburgh City Parks.

Unlocking learning opportunities and nature-based experiences for children and adults of all ages: that’s the objective behind this $1.5 million dollar initiative, transforming sections of Frick Park to make it easier for all to navigate.

“It allows for more people, whether it’s my grandchildren, who are very little, or my mother-in-law, who is 97 – take her for a walk in the park to see the fern hollow bridge repaired – it’s inclusive of all ages and all abilities,” said John Charney, an avid runner who uses the trail system.

Various sensory stations can be found throughout the main trail, which is a third of a mile long, beginning at the fountain and winding through the clayton area before it loops back around. There’s also a new overlook that will help everyone to enjoy the park’s beauty.

“If you were an individual who uses a wheelchair, you weren’t able to see over the railing that’s there, so we’ve made tons of improvements there,” said Alana Wenk, director of advancement for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “It’s really designed for individuals with disabilities in mind, first and foremost.”

The project is funded by several sources, including private donors and a grant from the city of Pittsburgh Parks Tax Trust Fund.

“It really shows the impact of our partnership between the city of Pittsburgh, what we can do with both private and public funds to make projects like this possible,” Wenk said.

“It’s good to see after the tax initiative was put in place, that the money is actually being spent where it is supposed to, so I’m happy they’re doing it. It’s been needed for a long time,” Charney said.

Once work is completed, plans to launch a lending library will be underway in the spring. You can read more about the project here.

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