🌳 Your guide to Pittsburgh parks

🚍 PA Dems Hear Feedback On Transit Funding Cuts

Democratic Senators held a hearing Downtown this week to gather data on how massive cuts would affect the community. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is facing a possible $100 million deficit if it can’t get additional funding from the state — and Democratic lawmakers have to convince the GOP-majority Senate to boost funding. [Union Progress]

• 💸 If funding doesn’t come through, PRT could cut nearly a third of services and increase fare from $2.75 to $3, starting next February. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

📣 ACLU Sues Pitt for Free Speech Violations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed a federal lawsuit alleging the school violated the First Amendment rights of a pro-Palestinian student group by placing them on indefinite suspension. Pitt's Office of Student Conduct claims the group — Students for Justice in Palestine — "improperly engaged in communications” to board members during a conduct hearing. [90.5 WESA / Pitt News]

📡 Federal Cuts Threaten Pgh Public Media

The White House wants Congress to cut two years’ worth of funding for PBS, NPR, and their member stations, including Pittsburgh’s 90.5 WESA and WQED. U.S. taxpayers each pay $1.60 per year to support public broadcasting. [TribLive]

• 🎤 In 1969, the same year PBS was founded, Fred Rogers testified before Congress to stop the government from defunding public media.

Pittsburgh is full of luscious green spaces, from sprawling woodlands to pocket parks. We partly have the Gilded Age to thank for our extensive park system — many spots are the former estates of wealthy Pittsburghers like Mary Schenley, Henry Clay Frick, and George Westinghouse. (Fun fact! There’ve actually been archeological digs in Westinghouse Park to search for artifacts from when it was the famed inventor's mansion.)

With 176 parks to choose from, there's something for everyone. Matthew Hileman of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy joined the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to share some of his favorites.

🌳 Most Underrated: Allegheny Commons Park

Allegheny Center

This North Side green space is Pittsburgh’s oldest park — and possibly the most overlooked. Its mature tree canopy lines wide, flat pathways, perfect for all ages and abilities. Take a seat by Lake Elizabeth for a stunning view of Downtown peaking above the trees; relax by the Northeast Fountain; stop for an ice ball at Gus and Yia Yia’s cart; or get some local goodies at the farmers market on Fridays in the summer.

🏡 Best Neighborhood Park: West End Overlook

Elliott

This park is tucked into the mountainside and offers some of the best views in the city — including a picture-perfect panorama of Downtown and the three rivers. It’s a popular spot for summer sunsets and fireworks, and Hileman says it’s also great for admiring birds or simply finding solitude among the trees.

💖 Best Date Spot: Schenley Park

Oakland

With hiking trails, Panther Hollow Lake, a golf course, and more, Schenley Park is a recreational haven — but Hileman says it’s also a prime date destination. The medieval cottage-style Visitors Center, winding cobblestone pathways, and stone bridges make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. During the winter, you can hold hands while skating on the ice rink.