Schenley Plaza

Pittsburgh’s historic Schenley Park finally has the grand entrance that its planners intended in the 1900s.

Philanthropist Mary Schenley donated more than 400 acres to the city for public use in the late 19th century. The designers of Schenley Park wanted to create a “gateway” to this greenspace at the foot of Bigelow Boulevard, but the land was instead used as a parking lot for the Carnegie Library, Forbes Field, and other attractions for nearly a century.

Now, the old parking lot has been transformed into a beautiful 10-acre urban parklet containing four food kiosks, public performance space, landscaped gardens, and a carousel.

The $10 million renovation project was spearheaded by a coalition of Oakland institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh; local and state agencies; and private donors.

Today, Schenley Plaza connects the Carnegie Library and Carnegie Museums with the University’s campus and the residential neighborhoods nearby. It has become a perfect urban oasis for study, relaxation, or a stroll.

(Photo by Melissa McMasters, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy)