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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

Bike Pittsburgh @bikepgh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

📍Attn Troy Hill friends! Our Neighborhood Walk previously scheduled for Sept 20th has been rescheduled to Oct 4th! Meet up at 1:00pm at De Fer Coffee & Tea (1800 Rialto St) www.facebook.com/events/1134046245748965

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

Bike Pittsburgh @bikepgh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

>> How do YOU experience the Three Rivers Heritage Trail? Signage upgrades are coming and your input is needed! From frequent / occasional trail users to people who don't use it at all, take the survey by Oct. 2 and you could win a giftcard: www.surveymonkey.com/r/3RiversTrail_Partner_social

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

For those who doubt the former density of the lower Hill District, this section of the 1923 map is where Frankie Pace Park is today (see Franklin Public School for a landmark). Other than Wylie Avenue, it’s a space unrecognizable in 2026. 🔦🤔❤️

1923 map of the area where the park is today.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Change continues throughout the neighborhoods that comprise the Hill District, with more housing and commercial buildings on the horizon. How distant that horizon lies is unclear, but in the meantime, Frankie Pace Park is a nice addition to the landscape.

Decorative ironwork and a water runoff channel with Pittsburgh Paints Arena in the background.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

There’s ample seating, native plant landscaping, public art, and amazing views. The park also features interpretive displays of Frankie Mae Pace’s advocacy for equitable housing in the 1950s, and of Martin Delany, an abolitionist, journalist, and education advocate in the Civil War Era.

Interpretative display are shaded in an arbor with downtown buildings in the background.

Photos and information about Frankie Mae Pace.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

And while knowledge of the neighborhood’s history may help explain the uneasy relationship residents often have with developers and city officials, it’s not necessary to enjoy Frankie Pace Park, which offers a pleasant, safe way to approach Downtown.

Faded sunflowers and concrete benches rim the park with downtown in the background.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The history of the lower Hill District is robust, diverse, and worthy of many books across myriad disciplines. Like the challenges faced in other Black neighborhoods, depopulation, economic disinvestment and exploitation, corruption, and racism are long-term, complex problems. 🧵

Polaroid from Frankie Pace Park looking into downtown.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Chances are, you haven't been to Frankie Pace Park. The next time you're heading downtown, take advantage of the friendly, scenic approach this public space offers. Get all the details w/o threads at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...

pghgreenandgray.substack.com

A Visit to... Frankie Pace Park, Crawford-Roberts

Pittsburgh's Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

MapQuest @mapquest.com · 30/08/2026

The right lane is underrated. So is arriving calm.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

So much has changed on Thayer Street over the decades but this has been a constant. ❤️

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Instead of arguing about parks vs. parking, I wonder what communities would look like if more parking garages were built like this one. Instead of one or the other, we could have both. And for the fans of old PGH maps, 1923 offers some familiar landmarks and memories of days gone by.🤘❤️

1923 map of the area where Mellon Park is today.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The park was a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s first Renaissance, led by Mayor David Lawrence, and backed by a $4M gift from the Mellon Family Foundations. The Parks Conservancy updated the space in 2014 with comfortable benches and artful landscaping, creating an lovely oasis surrounded by skyscrapers.

Polaroid on a bench surrounded by trees.

The stairs leading to the street and parking garage.

The empty fountain with trees and the William Penn Hotel in the background.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

It’s a compelling combination, and if you only viewed one side, you might not know the other existed! Hairstyles aside, it’s a fascinating space that played an important role in downtown Pittsburgh’s transformation in the 1950s and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s earliest green roofs.

The Welcome to Mellon Square Park sign is surrounded by trees.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Is it correct to say that Mellon Square is the “mullet” of Pittsburgh parks? The parking garage is all “business in the front,” while the surprise “party in the back” offers gorgeous landscaping, a playful lighted water fountain, and the elegant visage of the historic William Penn Hotel. 🧵

Polaroid of the trees in the park part at Mellon Square in Downtown Pittsburgh.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Is it correct to say that Mellon Square is the “mullet” of Pittsburgh parks? Read all about the business and the party, w/o threads, at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to... 🤘

pghgreenandgray.substack.com

A Visit to... Mellon Square Park, Downtown

Pittsburgh's Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

MapQuest @mapquest.com · 22/08/2026

Travel with the kind of peace that doesn't require explaining.

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

Libro.fm @libro.fm · 20/08/2026

We should all read more. And shop at indie bookstores more. And support public libraries more. And discuss books together more.

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

MapQuest @mapquest.com · 19/08/2026

Some destinations deserve an unhurried arrival.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

When we slow down and pay attention, the cycle of once-new things growing old comes into focus. And if our timing is right, we may even notice the return of new life. ❤️

The 1923 map, showing another iteration of the Market Square.

Polaroid of the 2025-26 Market Square construction process.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

It’s a beautiful open-air plaza with trees, a large colorful trellis, and plenty of room for outdoor dining, seating, and events. After the long and winding construction process, the result is truly beautiful.

The new multi-colored trellis over the square.

Polaroid of cyclists and pedestrians in Market Square for BikePGH's Open Streets events.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Over the last 250 years, Market Square in Downtown has been a site of nearly continuous reinvention. Its latest renovation was completed in April of 2026, just as the first attendees for the NFL Draft (remember that?) began converging on the North Side.

Wake me up before you backhoe sign. A chuckle from those who remember Wham!

And this one for the Run DMC fans - It's tricky to walk around, it's bricky, bricky, bricky.... sign. lol

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Market Squares date back to an earlier time in history and were an essential part of everyday life. In the early days of Pittsburgh, the area now known as Downtown had a few. Others were across the rivers in Allegheny City (North Side) and Birmingham (South Side). Here's the 1835 view... 🧵

1835 map of the area where Market Square is today.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Market Square has been a site of nearly continuous reinvention. Its latest renovation was completed in April of 2026, just as the first attendees for the NFL Draft (remember that?) began converging on the North Side. All the details w/o threads at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...

pghgreenandgray.substack.com

A Visit to... Market Square Park, Downtown

Pittsburgh's Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

Bike Pittsburgh @bikepgh.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

🚶 Our next Neighborhood Walk is in Troy Hill! 🗓️ Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 🔗 Register: secure.everyaction.com/5zfYmWrnqU2ly58DwuAXnQ2

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Going even further back in time, in 1845 this area was the site of the Allegheny Cotton Mill Strikes. This map from 1835 shows the buildings of the "Pittsburgh Cotton Factory" and the canals that were used for transport before the railroad came on the scene... ❤️

Historical marker for the 1845 Cotton Mill strikes.

1835 map of the area where the park is today - canals, not railroads!

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

In 2026, Riverlife launched a redesign of Allegheny Landing, preserving the original intentions while introducing new elements. Work should be completed next year. Until then, meander down and take a look at the sculptures and experience the transformative contributions theses artists have made.

View from inside one of the sculptures looking out over the Allegheny River to downtown.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

But the potential for recovery was there, and a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. While Caliguri (1931-1988) did not live to see how beautiful and popular Pittsburgh’s riverfronts would become, this space became one of the nation’s first riverfront sculpture parks.

Sculptures in the park with buildings in the background.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Sandwiched between the Clemente and Warhol Bridges on the northern bank of the Allegheny River, it was created in 1984 as part of Mayor Richard Caliguri’s Renaissance II development plan. This was a time when Pittsburgh’s rivers could be described as suffering from an “industrial-era hangover.”

1923 map showing the railroads and the high density of industrial and commercial buildings where the park is today.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today, Pittsburgh’s riverfront parks and trails are so celebrated that for many, it’s hard to imagine a time before they existed. That’s why Allegheny Landing on the North Shore is so important: it was Pittsburgh’s first riverfront park. 🧵

Polaroid from Allegheny Landing Park looking across the Allegheny River to Downtown.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Pittsburgh’s riverfront parks and trails are so celebrated that it’s hard to imagine a time before they existed. So let's look at the park that started it all, Allegheny Landing. Get the details w/o threads at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...

pghgreenandgray.substack.com

A Visit to... Allegheny Landing Park, North Shore

Pittsburgh's Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

In 1923, this area was a railyard. The Manchester Bridge, which was removed (exploded) in 1970, crossed to The Point. Today, the structural footing of the bridge is part of the Fred Rogers memorial. If yinz haven’t been dahn here in a while, don’t delay. It’s a lovely way to spend some time. ❤️

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Give yourself a bonus point for finding the Thomas J. Murphy, Jr. trail marker! This unassuming plaque honors Pittsburgh’s 57th Mayor, who was instrumental in developing and expanding the City’s riverfront trails that we all know and love today. (Hint: It's not too far from the city steps...)

City steps with the NFL Draft countdown clock in the background!

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

... a very accessible and blessedly flat riverwalk providing fantastic views of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, an interactive “Water Steps” fountain; compelling and thoughtfully designed war memorials; and plenty of public art, of which the Fred Rogers Memorial may be the most famous.

North Shore Riverfront Park sign and map.

Welcome Home poem at the Veterans Memorial.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Whether you’re a long-time local or a new resident, North Shore Riverfront Park is an awesome place to spend your time. This mile-long stretch of parkland offers a full BINGO card of interesting, entertaining, and informative features... 🧵

Polaroid of North Shore Riverfront Park looking at the Allegheny River.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Take a stroll along the North Shore Riverfront Park, where railroads once ran, and a bridge occupied Fred Rogers' iconic view. All the details w/o threads at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...

pghgreenandgray.substack.com

A Visit to... North Shore Riverfront Park

Pittsburgh's Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

MapQuest @mapquest.com · 03/08/2026

Every detour is the universe editing your autobiography.

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

Lost History Books @losthistorybooks.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

You know the research is really cooking when you’re reading an article on an incredibly niche website like theantiquetoolsource.com

theantiquetoolsource.com

Home - The Antique Tool Source

Where history comes Alive At The Antique Tool Source, we are dedicated to the outreach of antique tools of all […]

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Yes, all the market square buildings got a lot of repurposing over the years!

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Curious note: After conducting a thorough search, I determined there are no signs prohibiting alligators. 😉❤️

Curious sculpture of two apes holding bananas that look like cell phones.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Despite the signs prohibiting skateboarding and loitering, and the overtly hostile benches, people do what one expects in a park: sit and talk, sit and eat, sit and drink, and occasionally lie down and rest their eyes.

Bench with private property sign and ridges to prevent laying down.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

In the early 1910s, the park was removed for what would become the Boulevard of the Allies, and the never-ceasing cycles of change would ultimately bring us to today and Firstside Park. It’s a lovely area with flat walking paths, pastoral landscaping, and a curious collection of outdoor sculptures.

Pastoral landscape design with paved walking paths.

Polaroid resting on the giant metal sculpture.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

This spot is a short distance from where Pittsburgh’s very first public park, Second Avenue Park, was established in 1858. After removing an abandoned market house, the land was transformed into a small park with a fountain (that, for a time, contained a most unwelcome alligator). 🐊

1910 map of where the 2nd Ave Park was located in Downtown Pittsburgh. I guess the circle indicates the fountain's location.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Downtown Pittsburgh has a decent number of parks, but not everything that looks like a park is city-owned. The Central Business District has several "public" spaces owned by non-municipal entities. For example, Firstside Park, between First and Second Avenues at Grant Street, is owned by PNC Bank.🧵

Polaroid of trees, native grasses, and a large metal sculpture.

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Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps @mis-steps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Just because it looks like a park doesn't mean it's a fully public space. Meander around Downtown's Firstside w/o the threads at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...

pghgreenandgray.substack.com

A Visit to... Firstside Park, Downtown

Pittsburgh's Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

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Reposted by Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps

MapQuest @mapquest.com · 29/07/2026

Wandering? No, networking with your environment.

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