Oldest park is a comprehensive effort by many

Restoring city’s

This is in reply to Joe Renckly’s Dec. 29 letter, “Allegheny Commons Pathways Need Attention Now; Include a Fountain Later.”

The Allegheny Commons Initiative, a voluntary steering committee supporting the renovations of Allegheny Commons Park since 2000, took note of Mr. Renckly’s letter calling for restoring the existing pathways. While the Allegheny Commons Initiative oversees the park renovations, it is the responsibility of the city of Pittsburgh to maintain all aspects of the park, including existing path and lighting repairs. All maintenance issues should be reported to 311.

Plans for the fountain have been in the works since the Art Commission approved the design in 2009. While the fountain is the centerpiece, the Northeast Commons project also includes the surrounding paths, lighting and other infrastructure necessary for the use and enjoyment of the park. This comprehensive approach can be seen every day in earlier phases completed in the East Commons, where railings, signage and event infrastructure were installed along with new paths, lighting and monument restoration.

It is important to note that less than 25 percent of the upcoming project budget of $2.5 million will be funded by government sources. Had Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy not applied for these government funds, they would have been granted to another project in Pennsylvania.

The Allegheny Commons Initiative, along with our partners at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the Northside Leadership Conference, looks forward to the groundbreaking this spring for the new fountain and working toward our goal to fully restore Pittsburgh’s oldest park.

JOHN AUGUSTINE Chair, Allegheny Commons

Initiative North Side