Riverlife works at the intersection of economic development, arts & culture, and sustainability. Its goal is to connect and enhance the 15 miles and 1,055 acres of parks, trails, and public spaces that surround downtown Pittsburgh and its three rivers. Riverlife advances these goals through planning, projects, and inclusive programming, and is committed to maintaining these spaces long-term through care and maintenance.

About Riverlife

Riverlife’s mission is to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, connecting people through exceptional places and experiences.

Programs & Impact

Shore Thing: In 2025, Riverlife launched Shore Thing on Pittsburgh’s North Shore riverfront. Shore Thing is a mobile programming platform that invites Pittsburghers to experience the rivers in a new way; floating right on the water itself. During the first year, over 50,000 people visited Shore Thing, and this year Riverlife expanded hours and added new programming. Riverlife’s Shore Thing received international recognition. It won the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious Americas Awards for Excellence in addition to the World Urban Parks Outstanding New Park Project Award. It brings new vibrancy to Pittsburgh’s rivers.

Allegheny Riverfront Park: In April, Riverlife celebrated the completion of the Upper Promenade rehabilitation at Allegheny Riverfront Park, a major investment in the long-term care and use of one of Pittsburgh’s most visited riverfront spaces. Allegheny Riverfront Park is a Downtown City of Pittsburgh-owned park between the 6th, 7th, and 9th Street Bridges. The $5.4 million project enhances a critical section of the riverfront. The project enhances the tree canopy, improves public safety, invests in more durable materials, and increases day-to-day usability.

UpKeep: UpKeep is Riverlife’s commitment to the long-term care and maintenance of Pittsburgh’s riverfront trails and public spaces. Working across partnerships alongside the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny CleanWays, Friends of the Riverfront, Landforce, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the program creates maximum impact through collaboration. The program includes ecological restoration as well as litter cleanup and ensures investments in Pittsburgh’s riverfronts will last for years to come.

Get Involved

• Sign up for Riverlife’s e-newsletter for up-to-date calls for action, new programming, projects and events.
• Riverlife recently launched a new way to get outside and enjoy Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. “Explore the Loop” invites readers to discover all 15-miles of Pittsburgh’s riverfront “Loop” system through an interactive adventure, one mile at a time: RiverlifePGH.org/explore-the-loop
• Become a member of The Riverlife Crew. A monthly gift of just $5 or more unlocks exclusive news, invitations to special events, and a deeper connection to the mission shaping Pittsburgh’s most iconic public spaces: RiverlifePGH.org/Crew

How Support Helps

Donations right now help Riverlife as it works to complete Pittsburgh’s riverfront loop and create more open public space on the rivers. Together with supporters, Riverlife will close gaps, create exceptional places, and improve the riverfront experience for everyone. Pittsburgh’s rivers are its greatest assets, and donations can help make the riverfronts world-class and accessible to everyone.

To donate, visit RiverlifePGH.org/donate.

Story and Photography by Riverlife

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