The last, best option to support our parks

As a landscape architect who has worked on park-related projects for the majority of my professional career, including being lead consultant for Pittsburgh’s 2000 Regional Parks Master Plan and its 2015 update, I urge allied professionals and residents of Pittsburgh to support the upcoming ballot referendum that will provide additional revenues to enhance our parks.

Pittsburgh is blessed with an abundance of parks in close proximity to the majority of our residents. Our parks, both regional and neighborhood, are in desperate need of investment for both capital and maintenance projects. It is estimated that there is a backlog of $400 million in capital improvement projects and a shortfall of $13 million in annual maintenance dollars.

Over its lifetime, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has raised over $122 million in funds to implement capital projects, restore natural systems and improve maintenance in our parks in partnership with the city of Pittsburgh. Their advocacy, legacy and commitment to our parks has been unwavering and they have established a strong relationship with local foundations and nonprofits which have funded almost half of the funds raised.

But how much longer are our generous foundations and nonprofits willing to continually invest in our parks without a matching investment from others? This referendum may be our last, best option to continue to enhance our park network so that Pittsburgh can be defined not just by industry and technology but by its parks and natural systems.

Great parks are the foundation of a great city. Parks build communities and are proven economic stimulators. They create jobs, improve health and healing, and are a means to educate and connect us to nature. And most important, they are welcoming to all.

FREDERICK R. BONCI

Point Breeze