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Pittsburgh's best parks: Guide to outdoor fun

Schenley Park in Pittsburgh has more than 450 acres of trails and woods.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was founded in 1996 to partner with the city to improve the quality of life by preserving the historic, regional parks in the city. The organization raises money to train volunteers and fun infrastructure projects to restore and maintain the parks. 

They raise money to educate residents about how to protect Pittsburgh best parks and preserve the ecology, to help with volunteer initiatives to clean and maintain the parks. The conservancy has spearheaded capital improvements that have helped rebuild the parks and create fresh, beautiful spaces.

The parks under their watch include Emerald View, Frick, Highland, Riverview, Schenley Park and Schenley Plaza, Mellon Park, Mellon Square and a number of small, community parks in neighborhoods that are also among Pittsburgh best parks.

Schenley Park

Schenley Park is more than 450 acres of trails, woods and interesting, historic statuary. It was created in 1989 when Mary Schenley donated the land that is now a haven for the people of Pittsburgh. It's home to events like the Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Sports and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Bob O'Connor Golf Course in the summer and the ice-skating rink at the Schenley Oval Sportsplex (which also has a swimming pool for summer fun).

The Parks Conservancy worked with the city to restore the Phipps Run stream channel and the ongoing restoration of the Panther Hollow Watershed with the goal of improving water quality to allow for recreational events.

Frick Park

Frick Park the largest of the city's historic regional parks at more than 600 acres. The park opened in 1927. It's known for its trails through hilly woodlands and steep valleys. It's also got a clay tennis court, baseball fields and a public lawn bowling space, the only one in Pennsylvania.

Mellon Park

Mellon Park was originally the estate of Richard Beatty Mellon, whose 60-room mansion was the biggest house in the city. The park is best known for the walled garden for the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts building and the Phipps Garden Center.

The Parks Conservancy restored parts of the walled gardens in 2009, improving the infrastructure and added seating.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a hit with tourists and visitors to the city. It has been a soothing, green space in the Oakland neighborhood since 1893. The garden delivers seasonal flower shows and exhibits along with a remarkable orchid room and a variety of butterflies.

It offers light shows year-round, and offers classes for adults and children. For gardeners, they offer expert teachers to teach landscape and garden design, native plant landscapes, floral design, green and healthy living and more. For the kids, there are fun, educational classes about conservation, healthy living and plants. Summer camps are also available as well as training designed for scouts and home-schooled kids.

Highland Park

Highland Park was built around the Pittsburgh reservoir after residents naturally were drawn to the pretty waters and hilly landscape. It opened in 1879. Today it's a great place to visit the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. It's also popular for biking, hiking, volleyball, walking and a playground for the children.