This week Mayor Ed Gainey and City of Pittsburgh officials joined Northside Community groups and State Rep. Aerion Abney in celebrating the opening of Pittsburgh’s newest playground. The ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred in partnership with the Charles Street Area Corporation as a part of a larger Community Day at the Cross and Strauss Parklet.
The new playground is only a small part of a larger effort to re-invest in the Charles Street Area, which has seen generational disinvestment. Other efforts include: traffic calming, new trash cans, as well as Fowler Park & Pool.
Playgrounds are part of a community’s effort to nurture our children in becoming better adults. So, that when then they grow up, they understand how to work together with people who have different ideas and that’s what we have right here. Everyone came together because we knew we needed a playground and we made it happen and that is the power of community and collaboration,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.
Additionally, the new Cross & Strauss Playground was selected as an U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CHOICE project for early action projects that serve the Allegheny Dwellings Community. This was done in partnership with the Charles Street Area Corporation, Perry Hilltop/Fineview Citizens Council and the Buhl Foundation.
The final funding gap was filled by a private citizen, Jim Jones of Black Diamond, who believed strongly in the efficacy and necessity of this project.
Included in the construction of the new Playground are two-separate play areas aimed at children from 2-5 years old and 5-12 years old respectively. In addition to swings, picnic tables, poured-in-place safety surface, and a new half basketball court.
Visit the Cross & Strauss Playground Engage Page to learn more about the project and its context.
