Belgian block walking paths surrounded by shade trees at Garland Park.
It’s hard to believe there was even more congestion than what we experience in 2026, but it’s true. And it gives me hope that, if Ralph Adams Cram had a life-changing spiritual experience amid the cacophony of urban life, the same might be true for others traveling by. 🙏🤲
Many people have forgotten that the East Liberty of 1935 was a city unto itself: numerous movie theatres and playhouses, restaurants, shops, varied entertainment, and densely populated surrounding neighborhoods laced with multiple streetcar lines. (Cue the 1923 map, showing pre-cathedral times.)
1933 photo taken during the construction of the cathedral. Photo from the East Liberty Presbyterian Church archives.
This Cathedral of Hope (as it’s called by the congregation) was designed by Ralph Adams Cram, and upon its completion in 1935, he was quoted as saying, “Of all the cathedrals and churches I have built, this is my masterpiece. This church has been the most profound spiritual experience of my life.”
View of the steeple from the basketball court.
Old Belgian blocks form part of the walking path through the park.
Despite being surrounded by an ever-changing, modernizing landscape, there are still a few touches of the old East Liberty to be had if you raise your gaze: It’s almost impossible to miss the steeple of East Liberty Presbyterian Church. (And if you're looking down, old Belgian blocks.)
Polaroid taken from the basketball court at Garland Park in East Liberty. The steeple from the East Liberty Presbyterian Church is in the distance.
Due to renovations at Fire Station #8, the Garland Park playground is fenced off, and construction sounds fill the air. Fortunately, the athletic courts are still open, and the walking paths offer a shaded, but still noisy way to cross the neighborhood. 🧵
Despite being surrounded by an ever-changing, modernizing landscape, there are still a few touches of the old East Liberty in view at Garland Park. Text and photos (without the threads) at pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...
Why are some of the neighborhoods combined and others not?
Oh yes! My vote of one agrees 100%. Curiosity and emotional connection are powerful drivers and important reminders when energy dips. Thank you.
Good question- I do not know!
And back in 1923 this spot was already a City owned playground as the space was adjacent to the Fort Pitt Public School (which closed in 2011 and has been the subject of many conversations about re-use).
A gator missing a tail rides in a pull wagon with the words Gators spelled out on the side.
As March unfolds, the days get longer and warmer. Wipe away those winter blues and get outside. You’re a mammal, not a reptile. ❤️🐊❤️
Polaroid of the city steps that lead up to Fort Pitt Field.
For those who enjoy neighborhood walks, Garfield is great because you get amazing views, plenty of city steps (that’s how you reach the views), and a fun main street district with shops, food and drink, and random curiosities.
Gators written on the side of the storage building at Fort Pitt Feld.
That longevity means multi-generational players and alumni, so it’s no surprise that Fort Pitt Field is a busy spot July through October, with summer camps, practice sessions, games, and championship playoffs. And yes, it is possible to hear the cheers of the fans all the way downhill on Penn Ave.
Fort Pitt Field Home of the Gators sign on the fence around the football field.
Started in 1993 by five friends who believed that neighborhood adults needed to do more to build positive relationships with kids and teens, the Gators and Gatorettes have been a force for nearly 35 years.
Polaroid of a Gators mural at Fort Pitt Field in Garfield.
If you’ve ever walked around Garfield and noticed the alligator murals, it’s because you’ve entered the territory of the legendary Garfield ‘Gators, the beloved youth football team. 🧵
If you’ve ever walked around Garfield and noticed the alligator murals, it’s because you’ve entered the territory of the legendary Garfield ‘Gators who play at Fort Pitt Field. Full text and all photos (without the threads), are available here: pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...
Same here! It’s quite a lovely spot.
Care about sidewalk conditions in Pittsburgh? Read this thread and consider signing up for the next training session. I’ve collected sidewalk data in my neighborhood and so can you!
Always be kind
If you’re someone who likes buying audiobooks, Libro.fm is great. As an FYI, City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide was released as an audiobook last week. Great way to enjoy the dozen guided historical walking tours! 😉
"We didn't know how quiet the world used to be... until the noise never stopped" N. Johnson
Might take a bit of work nowadays to find the quiet but, that doesn’t mean it’s not out there.
Geaux outside, keep going;
✌🏽❤️🌲🌎
#runningpunks #photography #graffiti #streetart #nature #run
1923 map of the area - densely populated and containing the Osceola Elementary School.
In a neighborhood that grows increasingly taller, wider, louder, and more modern by the year, the unseen, underground mechanicals often operate at the opposite end of the spectrum. The juxtaposition prompts a chuckle as I watch the birds frolic in the puddles. 🪶
Vintage spray park equipment that runs/leaks continuously.
There’s also an “original” (perhaps vintage 1990s?) spray park feature and fountain, complete with leaking fixtures. 😘
Osceola Parklet sign and bench.
Old iron fence from the days when Osceola Elementary School was on the land.
Here, you’ll find ample shade trees, a mix of play equipment, fenced-in athletic courts, and lots of benches along the paths connecting it all. In a nod to the distant past, when Osceola Elementary occupied this space, there’s an old iron fence.
Polaroid of the bench and play equipment at Osceola Park.
Osceola Park is a little gem tucked between the back side of the Bloomfield post office and the Baum Boulevard commercial corridor. It’s one of those places you’d miss if you stayed on the main roads, and that would be a shame, because the park and its neighborhood offer plenty of old-school charm.🧵
Osceola Park in Bloomfield is an old-school gem tucked between two bustling commercial corridors. Full text and all photos, including a bit of "vintage" spray park equipment (without the threads), are available here: pghgreenandgray.substack.com/p/a-visit-to...
Why is Crawford Roberts included in Central Business District? They are separate neighborhoods.
Polaroid of swings at Heth's Park.
As Heth’s is a short distance from the beautiful and abundant amenities of Highland Park, it’s a nice surprise to see people here. While Pittsburgh’s large regional parks are wonderful, sometimes a small neighborhood park offers a more familiar, comfortable experience. What’s a little mud anyway? 😉
Do not buy pesticides laminated poster made by a child.
Please return chalk sign and chalk bucket.
On the afternoon of my visit, a man hits golf balls in the baseball field, two teens anxiously scour the ground around the basketball court for something, and a woman with a toddler explores the playground.
Heth's Park sign.
Playground at Heth's Park.
In the meantime, when it’s not muddy and mucky, Heth’s Park and Playground attracts visitors. 🙂
