Allegheny Riverfront Park is owned by the City of Pittsburgh. In 1994, planning began on land that was defined by multilevel high-speed roadways and a desolate riverfront parking lot between the 6th, 7th, and 9th Street Bridges – now named for Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson, respectively, and known as the Sister Bridges.

Led by Carol Brown, then-president of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the planning effort selected Brooklyn-based Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and artists Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil to collaborate on a design that would create pedestrian access to the river’s edge. Their vision incorporated visual art into a new landscape of riverfront trees and boulders, transforming an underutilized stretch of riverfront into a vibrant destination. The park’s lower level was completed in 1998, followed by the upper level, which opened to the public with a dedication in 2000.

Today, Allegheny Riverfront Park is in dire need of restoration to improve accessibility and offer a world-class experience while honoring the history of this prominent riverfront landscape. As part of Riverlife’s Completing the Loop vision plan, the park’s upper level is being re-envisioned.

In 2021, Riverlife partnered with the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to complete a $6.3 million restoration of Allegheny Riverfront Park. Together, they are working with the original park designers, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., and local landscape architecture firm LaQuatra Bonci Associates to restore the upper level.

Restoration measures will include replacing existing pavement, new site grading to improve accessibility and visibility, installation of new amenities, refurbishment of light posts and railings, tree pruning, soil amendments, and perennial planting. Construction is anticipated to begin later in 2024.

On February 21, 2023, Riverlife hosted a virtual public forum to view the proposed design for Allegheny Riverfront Park, presented by LaQuatra Bonci Associates and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. You can watch a recording below:

Riverlife held a virtual community feedback session on December 15th, 2022.

You can watch a recording of that event below: