Schenley Plaza Restaurant Breaks Ground

This week, the construction fences were installed, and work is now underway to construct a brand-new restaurant at Schenley Plaza!  We’re expecting that by the end of 2011, visitors to the park will have a year-round dining option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The restaurant is a key component of the original vision and business model for Schenley Plaza, and is vital to maintaining the Plaza’s operations at their current level–from the beautiful lawn and gardens to the PNC Carousel to year-round security and lighting, not to mention the hundreds of free public programs offered each year. 

We’ve gotten a lot of questions about this project (see our previous entry here), so we thought we’d post an FAQ below. 

Will this be an Eat ‘n Park or a different restaurant?
It will not be an Eat ‘n Park restaurant.  The Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group designed a concept restaurant specifically for Schenley Plaza.  The design, menu and all other aspects of the restaurant will be unique to this location. The name is currently under consideration. 

What kinds of foods will be served?
The menu will feature freshly prepared American cuisine.

Will there be breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Yes, all three meals will be available.  In keeping with the nature of the Plaza and surrounding businesses and universities, breakfast and lunch will be quick and freshly made.  A walk-up, carry-out window will increase convenience.  Dinner will include table and bar service.

Will it be open all year?
Yes.  Unlike the four existing kiosks, which operate seasonally, the restaurant will serve Oakland year-round.

Will the four food kiosks remain open?
Yes.  We are pleased that the kiosks will remain open to provide our visitors with a variety of options.

Will the restaurant take over any of the lawn?
No.  The design of the Plaza allowed for a restaurant on the open area between the kiosks and the Hillman Library.  The Emerald Lawn will be untouched, even during construction.

What will the design be like?
The design for the one-story restaurant, which has been approved by the Pittsburgh Art Commission, will incorporate the latest in green technology.  We’re working with WD Partners of Dublin, Ohio, and BRIDGES general contractors in Pittsburgh to construct a building that blends into the greenery of Schenley Plaza and offers a wonderful new amenity to the visitors who use the park each day.

We will keep you posted as work on Schenley Plaza’s newest amenity progresses.

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Schenley Plaza is in the cloud

Last Friday, City Councilman William Peduto joined N21 LLC and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in announcing an innovative new pilot project for an outdoor learning environment in Schenley Plaza.  Following the creation of a “learning cloud” in Schenley Plaza, the people of Pittsburgh will be able to instantly learn about the history, natural significance, and culture of the area through a mobile device.  This new virtual guide will allow any person with a laptop or handheld device to learn about the history of Schenley Park, the scientific details of the natural environment, or architectural details of the surrounding neighborhood. With a simple point-and-click, users can learn all about the objects that surround them every day.

This ground-breaking initiative is a partnership between Councilman Peduto, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Florida-based N21 LLC. N21 LLC President David Fries is a Pittsburgh native looking to bring his pioneering networks home.

“This is the type of innovation will bring to life the objects that surround us every day and also create new opportunities for citizen involvement,” said Councilman Peduto. “We are bringing new education opportunities to the people in a free and open environment.”

Click here to learn more about the Outdoor Learning Cloud.

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A World-Class Celebration

Yesterday was a special day for fans of Pittsburgh sports.  The world turned its eyes to Pittsburgh as the city celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Pirates’ 1960 World Series victory over the New York Yankees.  More than a dozen Pirates alumni came to Pittsburgh to be part of the festivities, which kicked off yesterday morning in Schenley Plaza.  A sidewalk plaque honoring Bill Mazeroski, who hit the game-winning home run, was unveiled near the Forbes Field wall by Richard Reed of the Parks Conservancy and Frank Coonelly of the Pirates.  Then it was over to the wall for a special program by the Game 7 Gang, who introduced players to the thousand or so people who turned out to listen to the radio broadcast of the game. 

Following the broadcast, the players made their way to PNC Park for a 1960 Victory Gala in their honor.  The event, which benefited the Parks Conservancy and Pirates Charities, raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars and provided Pirate fans with an evening full of memories.  Among the special treats was a sneak preview of the recently-unearthed video footage of Game 7, including postgame interviews with the ecstatic players and staff.  Thanks so much to Major League Baseball for providing this footage; we can’t wait to see the full game when it’s broadcast on the MLB Network in December!

Some photos from the day are below.  You can also see more news coverage and photos at the following links:

- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: A half-century later, it’s still the Pirates’ day
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Game 7 ‘still feels like it happened yesterday’
- USA TODAY: Pirates’ Bill Mazeroski: 50 years later, shot still echoes
- Yahoo! Sports: Pittsburgh celebrates 1960 World Series victory
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: 1960 Victory Gala Photos
- Whirl Magazine: Victory Gala Photos

A close-up look at the sidewalk plaque.

Bill Mazeroski signs autographs at Schenley Plaza.

Richard Reed, Executive Vice President of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Bill Mazeroski, and Frank Coonelly, President of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at the plaque unveiling.

A representative from Councilman Shields’ office proclaims it 1960 World Series Day in the City of Pittsburgh.

“Raise your hand if you actually went to Game 7!”

The 1960 players gather at the Forbes Field wall before the Game 7 Gang introduces them to fans.

We got some fun photos of some of the players as they greeted the crowd.  First up, Bob Friend:

Dick Groat:

Vernon Law:

Bill Mazeroski:

Bob Oldis:

Hal Smith:

Several couples attending the celebration met on the day of the game and were celebrating their own special anniversaries.

Folks turned out in their Pirates gear and with many souvenirs:

The amount of Pirates memorabilia on display at this event every year is pretty astonishing.

The nighttime gala took place on the field at PNC Park.  At right is Parks Conservancy President and CEO Meg Cheever, who shared that her favorite part of the 1960 pep rally ticket was the phrase “Everybody welcome.”  Because, as she said, isn’t that what parks are all about?

The players watch themselves being interviewed by Bob Prince on the postgame show of the 1960 World Series.

Photos by Mary Jane Bent and Melissa McMasters.

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1960 World Series Memories

We caught up with a few people at yesterday’s 1960 World Series celebration and asked them to share their memories of the Series-winning home run and Forbes Field.  You can see the videos below, along with a few stories shared by Herb Soltman, leader of the Game 7 Gang.



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A Home Run for Pittsburgh

Following is the Parks Conservancy’s essay that appeared in the program for the 1960 Victory Gala held last night at PNC Park.  The Pirates shared some great images with us for the piece, so we thought we’d share them with you too.  Click the images to see larger versions.

When Bill Mazeroski hit that pitch from Yankee pitcher Ralph Terry, the baseball soared over left-fielder Yogi Berra’s head, cleared the wall of Forbes Field, and landed in the area known as Schenley Plaza.  Back then, Schenley Plaza was a large parking lot, situated between Forbes Field, the Carnegie Library, and the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning.  But 50 years before that legendary home run ball landed there, Schenley Plaza was the grand entrance to Schenley Park.

Schenley Plaza under the Forbes Field lights, circa 1940s

And a few hours later, it was to Schenley Park that an overwhelmed Maz and his wife Milene retreated, as the raucous celebration he had sparked continued throughout Pittsburgh.  “There wasn’t a soul around—just a squirrel or two. That was so relaxing,” Maz would remember years later.

Pittsburgh’s urban parks—like those in many other cities—were created during this country’s greatest era of industrial growth to provide just those qualities that Bill and Milene found in Schenley Park that special evening.  They were places for relaxation and escape:  antidotes for the grim working conditions that most residents faced daily. While Maz’s story is unique, hundreds of people still go to our parks for the same peaceful welcome and retreat that the Mazeroskis needed that evening.

From the late 1800’s until World War II, Pittsburgh’s urban park system thrived and grew.  After the war, as more people moved to the suburbs and found recreation outside the city limits, the parks began to suffer.   As fewer people used the parks, they became an afterthought to the public officials who made budget decisions. Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley, as well as many of the 171 other parks in the City, suffered noticeably for decades.

Schenley Plaza and Forbes Field from above, 1940s

The Parks Conservancy was established in 1996 in response to the declining conditions of our four large regional parks.   From the beginning, the Parks Conservancy has worked side-by-side with the City of Pittsburgh to restore the park system to its earlier greatness and improve the quality of life for  the people who live and work in  Pittsburgh.  In 14 short years, the Parks Conservancy has raised nearly 50 million dollars for park restoration and maintenance, and completed 11 major capital improvement projects.  They include the Riverview Park Chapel Shelter, the Highland Park Entry Garden, and the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center.

Now the City is encouraging the Parks Conservancy to extend its work beyond the four great regional parks, as resources permit.  In 2010, the Parks Conservancy restored the Walled Garden in Mellon Park Shadyside, and formally adopted projects in several new parks, such as Cliffside Park in the Hill District and McKinley Park in Beltzhoover.

Today, Schenley Plaza has been restored to its original status as the grand and welcoming entrance to Schenley Park.  The big parking lot where Maz’s home run landed is once again an emerald lawn that  has welcomed over one million visitors since it was restored in 2006  On the spot where—on October 13, 1960—you could have seen that fabled baseball clear the Forbes Field wall, the PNC carousel twirls hundreds of children each year.  

A ticket to a 1960 World Series pep rally at Schenley Plaza

A few feet away, generations of baseball fans continue to visit the preserved Forbes Field wall.  The Parks Conservancy, in conjunction with Pirates Charities and the City of Pittsburgh, has installed a bronze plaque in the nearby sidewalk.  It honors Bill Mazeroski and his role in one of baseball’s—and Pittsburgh’s—greatest moments.

Many thanks to the Pirates organization and members of the 1960 World Championship team for partnering with the Parks Conservancy to help make this event possible.

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1960 World Series Celebration

Mazeroski rounding third base; courtesy of AP

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is partnering with Pirates Charities on Wednesday, October 13 to mark the 50th anniversary of Bill Mazeroski’s home run that made the Pittsburgh Pirates the 1960 World Series Champions.  We’d like you to be a part of this special celebration!

We’ll start the festivities at 11:45 a.m. with a public unveiling of a sidewalk plaque honoring Mazeroski for his walk-off home run.  The ceremony will take place near the old Forbes Field wall at the intersection of Schenley and Roberto Clemente Drives in Oakland. Pirates officials and 1960 team alumni are scheduled to attend. 

Schenley Plaza and Forbes Field in the 1940s; courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates

A recording of the original radio broadcast will be played at the Forbes Field wall and in Schenley Plaza.  An annual event, this re-broadcast attracts hundreds of people each year but is expected to draw thousands in conjunction with the 50th anniversary.  Ballpark food will be available and there’s sure to be an impressive collection of Pirates memorabilia on hand.

The connection between Pirates baseball and its old neighbor Schenley Park is a strong one: in fact, after hitting the home run that sent a city into jubilation, Mazeroski went to the park with his wife to reflect on the moment in a quiet place.  It’s only fitting that he’ll return to the park next week to remember that day.  We hope you’ll come out and join the celebration!

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Jazz Day in the Park

We had a great turnout this past Saturday for our second annual Jazz Day in the Park, presented by the Pittsburgh Jazz Society.  From noon well past 10:00pm, dozens of Pittsburgh’s great jazz performers drew crowds to Schenley Plaza.  From the many talents of the Tuesday Night Big Band to the legendary Joe Negri, the musicians kept the audience toe-tapping all day long.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, First Niagara, for supporting this event and keeping it free to the public, and to WDUQ 90.5 FM for their support and promotion.

Below are some photos from Saturday courtesy of John Altdorfer.

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How Do Our Gardens Grow?

As the number of landscaped sections of the parks has increased, the Parks Conservancy is pleased to welcome a Gardener to its staff in Angela Masters.  Angela is responsible for general maintenance of the gardens, including weeding, deadheading, transplanting, fertilizing, and insect control.  She focuses on the landscaped areas of the park like the newly restored Mellon Park Walled Garden, the Highland Park Entry Garden, Schenley Plaza, the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center, and the Riverview Park Chapel Shelter.

Angela previously worked as a Landscape Service Coordinator for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.  She also worked at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA and Trax Farms in Finleyville, PA.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Pennsylvania State University. 

The addition of a gardener attests to the Parks Conservancy’s commitment to preserving the parks and the long-term maintenance of capital projects, like the Walled Garden and the Highland Park Entry Garden.  Angela said, “Time and effort go into the installation of a new garden, and many people are excited about it opening, but not everyone realizes the level of maintenance that projects require.  I am passionate about taking care of our gardens and keeping them as close to the original intent as possible.” 

Angela also mentioned that the physical exertion of her job is a big perk.  She said, “I work every day, but I can eat whatever I want without going to the gym!”

If you missed it last month, you can see Angela give a video tour of the Schenley Plaza gardens here.

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One in a Million

As promised, Schenley Plaza welcomed its one millionth visitor this past Sunday!  To see photos from the celebration, click here.

Carol Ambrosia of Pittsburgh was strolling through the Plaza on her way to the Carnegie Museums and entered the drawing. “It’s certainly an honor and a privilege to be called the millionth visitor,” she said. Carol visits the Plaza about a half dozen times each year and says her favorite thing to do there is just sit and relax. “I enjoy the people, the tent, the food, the plants…much better than the parking lot that used to be here.”  Carol received a plaque to commemorate her One Millionth Visitor status, and she’ll also see her name in a brick at Schenley Plaza soon.  Carol will also be honored with a tree planted in her honor and a lifetime membership to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

There was plenty of fun for all the other visitors to the Plaza on Sunday as well.  The Animal Rescue League brought lots of adorable and adoptable puppies and kittens, as well as some less-cuddly but still fun quails.  Clear Channel was on hand with its prize wheel, and the Citiparks Roving Art Cart had kids painting and sculpting with clay.  Face-painting, balloon animals, and caricatures were a popular way to spend the time while waiting out a free seat on the PNC Carousel.  Plus, there were marionettes handy so the kids could put on their own show while the puppets’ master accompanied them on accordion.

The Millionth Visitor Celebration had a positive environmental impact as well.  Penn Future and The Black and Gold City Goes Green were on hand educating visitors on ways to save water, and several folks won conservation kits as part of the prize raffle.  Penn Future also collected pledges to save water as part of the Schenley Plaza Million Gallon Challenge.  Even if you missed out on Sunday, you can still sign up to take simple actions to conserve water in your own home.  Click here to accept the challenge.

Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday, and to all our sponsors and partners: Animal Rescue League, Backstage Guitars, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Citiparks, City Paper, the City of Pittsburgh’s Roving Art Cart, Clear Channel Communications, Dave and Buster’s, Enrico’s Tazza d’Oro, Friends of the Riverfront, Harris Grill and Cafe, KDKA-TV, MCG Jazz, Penn Future, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Trophy Works, and UPMC Health Plan.

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Countdown to 1 Million: Odds and Ends

Okay, so we’ve talked about the big stuff: the events, the history, the big ideas behind Schenley Plaza.  But isn’t it always the little daily things that make life so interesting?  Here are a few random snapshots from the last few years.

Carousel Assembly Day

Pitt the Panther lies in wait.

Every March I look forward to the day the PNC Carousel animals return from their long winter hibernation in a cave somewhere in Western PA and resume their rightful places at the Plaza.  There’s just something funny to me about seeing these elaborate creatures out of their natural habitat.  When they’re in the trailer, they look like they’re gossiping with each other.  When they’re out on the Plaza sidewalk, it looks like a tornado hit the carousel and the animals went flying.  The horse in particular looks out-of-breath and unhappy lying on its side, and then noble and proud when it’s standing up.   

I don’t think Jim and his crew of fellow carousel assemblers enjoy the process nearly as much as I do (it’s hard trying to guide giant heavy objects into the proper alignment), but every year it’s a great sign that spring is on its way.

Weathering the Weather
The elements sometimes conspire against us at Schenley Plaza, which is to be expected in a place with a lot of outdoor events.  A lot of the concern seems to center on keeping the tent safe.  For the first couple of years, we took it down in the winter, but ultimately realized that it could handle a moderate amount of snow without buckling.  Then, of course, there was winter 2010, with its record snowfall. 

Another of my favorite weather memories was from very early spring 2007, when we’d put up the Plaza tent as well as the one in the Schenley Park Cafe, and Phil heard a forecast involving insane amounts of wind and snow that made him panic.  “We’ve got to take the tents down!”  Our staff was much smaller in 2007, which may explain why I found myself, with my notoriously minuscule upper-body strength, helping to hold up one side of the Cafe tent while we did a DIY dis-assembly.  After that it was on to filling up sandbags for three hours so we could shore up the tent at the Plaza.  You might guess that the wind and snow never arrived, but I’m pretty sure that afternoon I was gifted with brand-new biceps.

Trimming the Taxus

Our old pal Jake, hanging out in the taxus.

In other Phil-related novelties, the second summer at the Plaza found him and his crew literally crawling inside the hedges in the Forbes Avenue gardens to trim out the dead material in the middle.  The hedge rows were meant to grow together, and the plants grow more effectively if they aren’t filled with deadwood where the rows meet.  The act of trimming them, though, resulted in some high comedy for morning visitors to the Plaza.  Every now and then a stick would just fly out of the hedges with no visible person attached.  The morning I went to help out, I was highly amused by the people walking by on their cell phones saying, “I think there’s some sort of big animal in the bushes at Schenley Plaza!  It’s making a ton of noise!”  Sometimes I’d ruin their illusion and wave, but most of the time I just let them think I was some sort of giant raccoon.

Rubber Ducky, You’re the One
We’ve seen some interesting characters at the Plaza (remember the summer it opened was the Summer of the Giant Inflatables, thanks to Pittsburgh Roars?  We had a Deer-Shaped Thinker on the lawn for quite a while).  Mr. McFeely has stopped by on more than one occasion, welcoming kids for the grand opening and leading a rousing rendition of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood theme song at this year’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day.  Most recently, a group held a rally to raise awareness about toxic toys, and they brought along with them an enormous inflatable rubber duck.  Jim, Kenny, the group’s leader, and I all wrestled with the duck until it was facing the right way and its attached Toxic Toys sign was well-fastened, much to the entertainment of a photography class whose students happened to be walking by.  I am sure there are some unflattering photos of us in someone’s portfolio, but my contribution is a noble duck looking skyward.

Got any random Schenley Plaza memories?  Post them here.  And please don’t forget to join us for our millionth visitor celebration this Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00!

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