For Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

From 1997 to 2015 Heritage Landscapes collaborated with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC), in cooperation with Pittsburgh Public Works and City Planning Departments and talented colleagues to revitalize the 1,700 acres of historic Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley Parks and Mellon Park.  We contributed to two regional park master plans, park system lighting and furnishings guidance, specific park plans, preservation and management studies, as well as numerous large and small implementation projects and staff and volunteer initiatives. A selection of completed projects includes

• Highland Park Welcome Entry Fountain Gardens
• Frick Park Reynolds Street Entry landscape
• Riverview Park Chapel Shelter landscape
• Mellon Park Renaissance Garden walls, paving and ironwork renovation
• Shenley Park Window on the Park, Visitor Center landscape
• Mary Schenley Fountain landscape at Schenley Plaza
• Schenley Park Phipps and Panther Hollow Runs trails and stream stabilization

In 2010, we teamed with Biohabitats for the Regional Parks Natural Areas Plan providing the historic basis and guiding future directions to enhance ecology and habitat. For the Regional Parks Master Plans 2000 and 2012, we contributed to the interdisciplinary team addressing parks system integration, connectivity, access, sustainability and landscape character, to set forth sound future directions. These efforts over 18 years aided in uplifting these parks historic legacy, inclusive uses, enhanced stewardship and greater resilience for the Pittsburgh community. The works have received several professional awards.

WORKS PLANNING Regional Parks System Master Plan Update, La Quatra Bonci/Michael Stern lead, 2015; Regional Parks Management Study, with ETM Associates, Brigid Sullivan, Ralph Crider, 2006; Regional Parks Standard Lighting and Bench Design, 2005; Frick Park & Riverview Park Sign Concepts, 2004; Regional Parks Lighting Guidelines, with LBA and Grenald Waldron 2001; Regional Parks Wayfinding & Signage Overall Concept Design and Visitor Maps with Kolano Design, 2001; Regional Parks Master Plan, A New Ethic of Stewardship, with Barry Hannegan and Brown & Carlisle, La Quatra Bonci/Michael Stern lead, 2001

WORKS IMPLEMENTATION Heritage Landscapes landscape architecture lead for Riverview Chapel Shelter Landscape Renewal, 2004-2006; Mary Schenley Fountain plaza and access, 2010; Volunteer Project Guidance & Training Summaries, 2006; Highland Park Welcome Entry Fountain and Gardens, 2004; Schenley Park Visitor Center Window on the Park Landscape, Wayfinding & Interpretive Signs, 2001; Frick Park Homewood Entry, 2000.

Heritage Landscapes as lead or team member, as noted, La Quatra Bonci/Michael Stern, team lead master plans;  LDA Architects collaborator on Frick Park Entry, Riverview Chapel, Schenley Park Visitor Center

Thank you for the major role you have played in our success, your longstanding contributions to our efforts haverevitalized Pittsburgh’s historic public parks. Meg Cheever, President Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy