🌳 Pgh’s most underrated park

PA Democrats Reject GOP Budget Proposal

Senate Republicans passed a bill Tuesday night that would use hundreds of millions of dollars in a public transit fund — already earmarked for long-planned capital projects — to cover operational costs for state transit agencies, like PRT and SEPTA. The bill is dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled House.

• The state budget is more than six weeks late. Schools and county-run social service programs may suffer if state leaders wait any longer. [SpotlightPA / 🎧City Cast Pittsburgh]

VA Terminates Union Contacts

The Department of Veterans Affairs ended collective bargaining agreements with several unions, including one that represents workers in Pittsburgh. Congressman Chris Deluzio said this “is all part of [the Trump administration’s] plan to make it easier to fire VA workers so that they can keep privatizing and outsourcing care.” [WTAE]

Blue Swirl Spotted in Western PA Sky

A SpaceX rocket launched in California could be seen by Pittsburghers Tuesday evening. The bright blue hue was caused by a “frozen exhaust plume… spinning in the atmosphere and reflecting the sunlight, causing it to appear as a spiral in the sky.” [TribLive]

Terrible Trolley Returns for Steelers Season

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington County debuted a fully-restored, black-and-gold trolley — first painted in the 1970s to celebrate the Steelers’ Super Bowl wins.

• The museum is offering $5 tickets through Saturday, which includes admission to the museum and transportation to the Washington County Fair. [Trolley Museum]
• Find more cheap and free museums and attractions here. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

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.

✨ Most Improved: Frankie Pace Park

Crawford-Roberts

This is “one of the most unique parks in the country,” Hileman says, because it reconnects the Hill District to Downtown with a “cap” that stretches across I-579. It’s named after community organizer Frankie Pace. Stroll through the tiered park, admire the rain garden, and find a peaceful setting smack dab in our urban center.