Thursday, March 20th
6:30 PM
Borough Building, Council Chambers
605 Ross Avenue, Second Floor
Background
Rosa Parks Park was built in the 1960s as part of an Urban Renewal Project which shows its signs through the western corridor of the Third Ward of Wilkinsburg. It once contained tennis courts, a water feature, and playground equipment, but this was all torn out decades ago due to decay and neglect making the space unsafe.
Neighbors began to re-invigorate and care for the space throughout the years; the name Rosa Parks Park was given to it during one of these bouts of activity.
The current effort to Renovate of Rosa Parks Park began in 2018; through 2019, multiple community meetings were held in the Park and in a storefront on nearby S Trenton Avenue to decide what amenities should be included in this space.
During the Covid Era the work went to quiet administrative matters, applying for grants and ultimately securing two, funding the project.
We find ourselves now working to re-affirm the community’s final design so we can engineer and bid out this long awaited project.
The Space
Rosa Parks Park sits in the middle of a residential block, surrounded by Peebles, Franklin, Rebecca, and S Trenton streets.
It serves as a key walk-through path for residents, a gathering space for family and community events, and a play space for local children.
The Plan
Current Design includes:
- New Pathways throughout
- Pedestrian Scale Lighting on Paths
- ADA Accessibility
- Play Equipment (7-12 Age Range Equipment)
- Picnic Tables
- Gazebo for Events
- Native Plantings
The goal of the community’s design is to create a space that is welcoming and peaceful, respectful to the surrounding homes, and fit to purpose. It can provide places for small family gatherings and children to play and learn, safe within the confines of a block and close to home.
Feedback
Can’t make it to the meeting? That’s okay; we still want your input. Let us know your thoughts!