It’s a basic human need that stretches back to our primitive ancestors. To feel the rough bark of a tree within the palm of your hand. To hear the echo of insects calling to one another. And when the concrete sidewalks and exhaust fused air of a city become too much, it’s important to have a safe haven - a natural place to get away from it all. In Pittsburgh we have two such havens. Their names? Schenley Park and Frick Park.
Schenley Park is located between the neighborhoods of Oakland, Squirrel Hill and Greenfield. Today the park is 456 Acres and in 2011 was name one of “America’s Coolest City Parks” by Travel + Leisure Magazine. This historic park is home to 13 tennis courts, an all weather running track, an ice skating rink, soccer field, 18-hole disc-golf course, a public swimming pool, as well as an 18-hole golf course. In addition, Phipps Conservatory is located within the park, and the parks entrance is identified by Schenely Plaza - a plot of land speckled with food kiosks and a carousel residing next to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
The largest park in Pittsburgh is Frick Park. Conquering an entire 561 Acres of land, Frick park ranges from Point Breeze, into Squirrel Hill to the border of Edgewood. With its many hiking trails, along the paths can be found wild turkeys, foxes, owls and an abundance of other wildlife native to the area. Within Frick Park there is an area known as Blue Slide Park - named after the steep blue slides that snake their way down from the top of the hill. In addition to being a popular sledding area in the winter, Blue Slide Park was most recently made popular by professional rapper and native Pittsburgher, Mac Miller, who named his album “Blue Slide Park” after the area.
So when you feel the need to get away from it all - to kiss the sky scrapers and noise pollution goodbye for a few hours - think about the 1,000 acres of preserved land which, as a Pittsburgher, you have right in your back yard.
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| Schenely Park - Panther Hollow Lake |
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| Frick Park - Nine Mile Watershed |
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