A Front Yard for All: The Grand Opening of Allegheny RiverTrail Park's Expansion
"Other duties as assigned" is par for the course for Tony Miga, director of operations at Allegheny RiverTrail Park (ARP), a public park managed by an independent, nonprofit organization. Thanks to the nonprofit's hard work, ARP successfully provides free public access to parkland and multi-use trails that stretch alongside a Aspinwall–Sharpsburg section of the Allegheny River. The park is not supported by taxpayer dollars,which is why fundraising is crucial to the park's existence. Tony likens the organization to a public radio station, which provides a service to the community using donations from community members and benefactors. He notes that "not too many parks operate in this way." On any given Tuesday, Tony can be found rustproofing the docks, consulting a bride about her wedding or even scheduling Geese Police maintenance (dogs used to discourage geese from overtaking the park).
With events on June 7 and 8, the park will celebrate the grand opening of The Front Yard, which highlights the more than 6 acres of parkland and trails acquired in 2021. Visitors now have access to a mile and a half of a walking/running/biking trail. This new expansion brings the river to the forefront and highlights the natural beauty of the riverfront.
Tony talks about the evolution of the park's development: "What was once an industrial scrapyard is now a vibrant public greenspace. The property has essentially doubled in size and we are eager to celebrate. We hope the new space will be a place people visit frequently. This park offers access to a huge, open lawn for both games and relaxation, access to river recreation, and new park programming such as summer camps and year-round classes."
River Rocks, a ticketed evening event with dinner and dancing along the scenic backdrop of the river, takes place on Friday, June 7. Saturday, June 8 is a family-friendly day of food trucks, musical performances and kids' activities, starting at 2 pm and running through 9 pm, all free of charge. Outdoor concert performances include Patrick Hodge, Liz McBride, Ole Whitetail, and Bindley Hardware Co. Additional performances feature Peanut Butter & Jam, O'Ryan the O'mazing, and the Riverfront Theater Company. Lastly, a vendor marketplace has been organized and, yes, a rain plan is in effect.
Dee Stathis, executive director of ARP, knows exactly how much hard work and dedication is necessary to host such a major event: "The behind-the-scenes effort is incredible. So much passion is poured into this park from board members, volunteers and community members. The personal resources these folks have given is amazing and shows a real love for this location."
She discusses the park's origins: "This park was designed for everyone " in Pittsburgh and beyond. The park's original name, Aspinwall Riverfront Park, was changed to Allegheny RiverTrail Park in order to reflect a more regional feel. The original goal was to connect the bike trail to the [longer and larger] Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and this last acquisition of acreage brings us that much closer."
She acknowledges that this is an initial stage of a much broader strategic plan, and that park visitors should be aware of the ongoing journey: "We plan on engaging the community " most likely via online surveys " to reach the park's ultimate goals. Right now, we're eager to highlight The Front Yard."
The trail extension provides access to 13th Street in Sharpsburg, which park leaders believe will attract more people. The front yard is for anyone, but easily accessible (and in some cases, within walking distance) for residents of Sharpsburg, Aspinwall, O'Hara, Fox Chapel, and Etna. The grand opening event will showcase the park for a broader community.
In addition to two main overlooks, a new deck along the river has been added. At more than 3,000 square feet, it provides ample room for picnics and family gatherings. The deck will double as a main stage for local performances and classes. The new park property hosts both Farmer x Baker, an on-site cafe sourcing local and organic ingredients, and 3Rivers Outdoor Company, a local kayak and paddleboard outfitter. Other longtime partners include the Riverfront Theater Company, Kindermusik by Lynda and the Fox Chapel Crew.
Currently, the property is also home to many organizations and classes. Winchester Thurston Summer Camps, Yoga Flow, For the Love of Bachata and Dah Dah Creative Play (art and sensory play classes) are hosted on site.
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These additions augment the pre-existing offerings of the park, which include a marina with a fishing dock, a fenced-in dog park, relaxation space with swinging hammocks, and a shaded playground with bronze slides created as works of art by sculptor Tom Otterness. The welcome center includes a pavilion and party room that can hold up to 200 guests.
ARP works in tandem with the Harris Event Group, which serves as their exclusive wedding provider and coordinates all large party rentals. Small, private events (under 50 guests) can be planned through Dee and Tony. Weddings are increasingly popular, with bookings made a year or more in advance. "The wedding space is truly a unique and beautiful venue, combining outdoor with indoor space," says Tony. "There's nothing else exactly like it in the region."
The weekend extravaganza is designed to be a communitywide celebration of the new Front Yard. "We are welcoming everyone to see and experience our beautiful community asset," says Dee, "and this opening will bring us one step closer to our ultimate goals. We will engage the community and take our time to determine the best strategy to move ahead. It is crucial to the park's future that we are thoughtful as to how to activate and develop this beautiful, riverfront area which is so special to so many."
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