Pittsburgh non-profit looks to breathe new life into downtown riverfront

PITTSBURGH — It’s one of the Steel City’s prized treasures.

The waterfront draws people from across the area and one nonprofit is looking to take it to the next level with a new vision.

Pittsburgh nonprofit Riverlife has its eyes on the prize and it wants to breathe new life into the downtown riverfront.

The group sent out a survey and presented a preview of its “Completing the Loop” technical report.

The report explores the endless possibilities of two proposed new parks.

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The first park called Saw Mill Run Park would go under the West End Bridge. The plan includes making it pedestrian friendly with wider pathways and connections to the trail.

The other would take shape at the former city tow pound in the Strip District below 31st Street. Riverlife says there is room for a park, outdoor activities and even housing and it can’t wait to see what happens next.

“The rivers are our regional calling card. And they really need to be our front door. They started on a vision plan 20 years ago to really reframe the regional orientation to the riverfront. And I think there are so many reasons to be excited about our riverfronts right now. They’re teaming, as you know, with economic activity,” said Matthew Galluzzo, president and CEO of Riverlife.

Riverlife is still accepting public ideas and feedback on these and future projects here.

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