The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization working to improve, enhance, and steward Pittsburgh’s parks in partnership with its partners and community. The Parks Conservancy believes that Pittsburgh deserves a great park system that helps our communities thrive, and for nearly 28 years, the Parks Conservancy has worked to make this vision a reality.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
The Parks Conservancy was founded in December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh’s historic city parks. A nonprofit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement.
To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised nearly $150 million and also has completed 23 major park improvement projects. The Parks Conservancy works with thousands of volunteers, hosts hundreds of events, and provides programming for more than 7,500 children annually.
The Parks Conservancy’s projects span Pittsburgh’s green spaces, from leading tree research initiatives and urban forest monitoring programs to creating accessible spaces like the Outdoor Discovery Space and also the Sensory Nature Trail in Frick Park. They’ve transformed neglected spaces into sustainable habitats and vibrant community treasures, such as the iconic Schenley Plaza, restoring miles of trails, planting thousands of trees, and reviving historic sites. These efforts have not only enhanced the ecological health of Pittsburgh’s parks but have also provided educational opportunities and safe, welcoming green spaces for all.
How You Can Help
You can volunteer to help maintain and beautify the parks, join community events, or attend educational programs. Follow the Parks Conservancy on social media to stay updated on the latest events and then sign up for our e-newsletter to learn about opportunities to support its mission.
For nearly 28 years, the Parks Conservancy has worked to make this vision a reality, transforming neglected spaces into sustainable habitats and vibrant community treasures. Along with volunteers and supporters from all reaches of Pittsburgh, the Parks Conservancy planted thousands of trees, restored miles of trails, and revived dozens of historical sites. Yet, without allies at every level, Pittsburgh’s parks risk losing the advocacy and attention they deserve and will undoubtedly need. With your support, we are building a future where Pittsburgh’s parks are truly for everyone. Most importantly, we will inspire future generations by making our parks accessible learning environments—where people of all ages and abilities can then experience, understand, and take action. This is the legacy we build, together.
Your support is the heartbeat that keeps this vision alive. As we look ahead to the coming year, we ask you to join us in fostering a park system that not only meets the needs of today but also anticipates and responds to the challenges of tomorrow. Your year-end gift to the Parks Conservancy will make a lasting impact, shaping a better, greener Pittsburgh for all. Please donate today and join us in this important work.
Story and Photograph by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
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