Arts Landing Ribbon Cutting Marks Amazing Transformation

Against the atmospheric backdrop of the upcoming NFL Draft, a festive occasion took center stage  in Pittsburgh today. City, state, and civic leaders cut the ribbon for Arts Landing, the beautiful new four-acre park situated in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The project spearheaded by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has in a little over one year turned a razed parking garage, lot, and an old Goodyear Tire store into a gently landscaped greenspace replete with a playground made of natural materials. Public art displays highlighted by several Thaddeus Mosley sculptures. There were pickleball games on a makeshift court (permanent pickleball courts will be completed soon). And a fantastic amphitheater sits on the Fort Duquesne Boulevard side of the park (also bordered by Penn Avenue) with our three sister bridges majestically looming large in the background. 

Pitt’s marching band, cheerleaders, and mascot Roc opened the ceremonies with an energetic march. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s President and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram gave the opening address, and said, “Arts Landing builds on the Cultural Trust’s mission by creating a new Downtown destination where people want to gather, stay longer, and return more often. This is a momentous day for the Trust, Downtown, and our entire region. Thank you to all our partners whose leadership, generosity, and collaboration have brought us to this special moment.” 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, “Eighteen months ago, we brought together leaders from the public and private sector to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh and turn this neighborhood into a thriving center for innovation, opportunity, and culture. Just a week before the NFL Draft, we have delivered on our promise to open Arts Landing on time. I’m proud of the progress we have already made together – building new affordable housing, creating safe, fun spaces like Arts Landing, and completing renovations at Point State Park – and we are going to continue to get stuff done in Downtown Pittsburgh for years to come.” 

County Executive Sara Innamoroto said that not only is Pittsburgh having a moment, it’s having a movement––a movement that gets us towards the Pittsburgh we want and deserve. She also spoke proudly of helping to get our fellow unhoused citizens off the streets and into safe housing that fits their needs. Mayor O’Connor said what a great improvement Arts Landing is for the city and that it’s the first playground in Downtown Pittsburgh, one he’s excited to bring his two young children to. He personally attested to the slide which he tried out and compared its speed very favorably to Frick Park’s famous Blue Slides.. He also participated in a pickleball game for a few moments. 

Other dignitaries on the stage who gave remarks and made major contributions to Arts Landing, included: Highmark CEO David Holmberg, Lieutenant Governor (and McKeesport native) Austin Davis, State Senator Wayne Fontana, and State Representative Aerion Abney. (He gave a shout out to CAPA High School across the street and the students watching from the roof play area gave him a shout out back.) Anastasia James, Director of Galleries & Public Art for the Cultural Trust, and Pittsburgh City Councilperson Khari Mosley spoke about the late artist Thaddeus Mosley’s sculptures at Arts Landing. Khari Mosley is Thaddeus’ son.

“Envisioned and operated by the Cultural Trust and designed by renowned landscape architecture firm, Field Operations, the civic space was designed to welcome residents and visitors, host festivals and performances, exhibit public art, and provide opportunities for everyday recreation and relaxation. Key features within Arts Landing include:

•         The Dollar Bank Stage and great lawn will serve as the new permanent home for the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, as well as a schedule of recurring activities, to be announced in May.

•         The Grable Playground is Downtown’s first-ever playground with artist-inspired play equipment.

•         The Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard offers a relaxing atmosphere with tables, seating, overhead lighting, and games (finishing touches coming in June).

•         The Highmark Courtyard provides flexible recreational space, including artist-designed mural pickleball courts, and a fitness track (finishing touches coming in July).

•         The BNY Visitor Center features public restrooms, a water refill station, and 24/7 security to ensure that Arts Landing is a safe and welcoming destination for everyone.

•         The Colcom Foundation Overlook provides beautiful views of the skyline and bridges that can only be found in Pittsburgh.

•         The Buhl Foundation Lawn Ledges provide respite and the best seats in the house.

•         PPG Lane and the Fisher Family Garden Walk are beautiful new places for a Downtown stroll, surrounded by nearly 100 newly planted trees and native landscaping.

In addition to the generous funders who supported these key locations within Arts Landing, the following organizations supported the civic space’s construction and kick started its annual operating and maintenance fund:

•       Allegheny Foundation

•       Allegheny Regional Asset District

•       The Burke Foundations

•       The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

•       Eden Hall Foundation

•       Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation

•       Fleischner Family Charitable Foundation

•       The Heinz Endowments

•       The Henry L. Hillman Foundation

•       Jewish Healthcare Foundation

•       Richard King Mellon Foundation

•       PNC

During the NFL Draft, Arts Landing will be used by Pitt Panther Football. Pitt who will host “An experiential Pitt Football museum and interactive draft showcase highlighting Panther greats and the program’s NFL pipeline.” The event will also feature live music, an activity zone, food trucks, and is free to the public. Then sometime in May will be the soft opening for the park and the exterior fencing will be removed. June 5 will be Arts Landing grand opening at the beginning of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Arts Landing is another jewel in the crown of city greenspaces.

Story and photos by Rick Handler, executive producer of Entertainment Central.

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