The first public meeting of the newly reorganized “Friends of South Park” was held on December 9, 2021 in the Silent Brook Barn. All County Friends Groups had previously been suspended pending the updating of County Council’s ordinance governing these volunteer groups.
County Parks Director, Andy Baechle, began his remarks acknowledging that the County was well aware of the issues with the new solar lights on Corrigan Drive. He is working with the engineers and the manufacturer to correct the problems. He mentioned that the Cascades restoration was complete and that the focus was historical restoration rather than to encourage swimming in the pools which would have required a fence, lifeguard and additional regulations. The green parking lot at the top of the Fairgrounds has been completed. It’s estimated that the permeable asphalt will capture 2.5 million gallons of rainwater per year and last twice as long as regular asphalt.
Thanks to Dave and Anne Oyler, the Nevin Shelter, designed by Paul Riis is being restored.
The “Friends Pond Patrol” has been working with the County to enhance the ponds at Maple Springs and the Game Preserve. Andy announced that the County has requested several proposals to prepare an ecological assessment and improvements plan for the pond on Maple Springs by the Gazebo and the Game Preserve. Proposals need to be submitted by February 21 to improve water quality, aquatic habitat, and overall aesthetics. We will keep the public updated.
Barbara Brewton, Project Manager for the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the $1.2 million restoration of the Cascades. She reiterated that the Foundation is using The Allegheny County Parks Ecological Assessment and Action Plan for improvements to South Park. A plan that the Friends of South Park were instrumental in having developed. In addition to the Nevin Shelter, several foundations may be interested in restoring the Edgebrook Pavilion and Bridge,
another Paul Riis historical structure.
