Arsenal Park

Phase I Updates

Update 4/25/2024: Construction on the pavilion/restroom building has begun and is expected to be complete in Fall 2024. Contractor is working on water connection to spray features in playground. These are planned to be turned on by Memorial Day weekend.

Update 3/11/2024: Construction is under way for the restroom and pavilion building. We anticipate work will proceed through the summer and the building will be complete in Fall of 2024. The playground will remain open through construction and the spray features should be turned on in early Summer 2024.

Update 12/11/2023: Construction for the restroom and pavilion building will begin in Spring 2024. In the meantime, the new playground is available for use.

Update 9/25/2023: Due to permitting delays, the new playground will not be open until November. The pavilion and spray park are still anticipated to be available in 2024. We are working as quickly as possible to bring the new improvements online for your use. Thank you for your patience!

Update 7/27/2023: Please note the existing Arsenal Playground will need to be removed by mid to end of August to keep the project progressing. We anticipate being able to open the new playground by end of Sept./ beginning of Oct. despite ongoing construction on the pavilion/restroom building. Thank you for your patience while we bring new improvements to your park!

Project Background

The Arsenal Park Master Plan was created in 2015, when Friends of Arsenal Park, a group of dedicated residents and users, organized to transform a deteriorating outdoor space into a meaningful, well-used public gathering place. The plan will be used for a conceptual basis in the upcoming design work.

The Phase I Design will address:

Pedestrian connection between school building and Arsenal Park
Safe and inviting community access at 40th Street and Davison Street intersection/crossing
Provide an ADA accessible path from 40th and Davison entrance to the Mall
Restoration of historic stone wall segment from school alley to 40th Street Mall entrance
Imaginative playground
Picnic shelter/outdoor classroom with restroom
Pedestrian lighting and electrical infrastructure for events
Park amenities, including site furnishings and signage
Integrated stormwater management

Public Art:

Phase 1 of Arsenal Park's renovations will include a public art project, made possible by the City of Pittsburgh’s Percent for Art program.

Follow the public art project's Engage page here.

Under Const. — Arsenal Park Phase I Improvements are currently underway. We anticipate that the new amenities will be available to the public before the end of year!

Community Document Library:

Community Meeting #1

Community Meeting #2

In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines and maintain equitable public input, the City of Pittsburgh is utilizing online engagement tools. Materials will be posted as they are developed and will be mobile-friendly. All virtual meetings will be recorded and posted to the website.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to roll out improvements that address issues around the digital divide.

Project Team:

Pashek + MTR / Landscape Architecture
Ingrid Kanics Inclusive Design / Accessibility
Christine Davis Consultants / Archaeology
Sci-Tek Consultants / Survey and Civil
Graves Design Group / Architecture
Santangelo & Lindsay / Lighting
Alpine Allegheny / Cost Estimating

Community Partners:

Lawrenceville United
Lawrenceville Corporation
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Lawrenceville Historic Society
Friends of Arsenal Park
Tree Pittsburgh
Carnegie Library
Lawrenceville Playgroup
Stephen Foster Community Center
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Lawrenceville Family Care Connection
York Commons
Canterbury Place
9th Ward Youth Association
Allegheny County Health Department
Three Rivers Wet Weather
PWSA
Council District 7
The Office of State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl
The Office of State Rep. Sara Innamorato
The Office of State Sen. Wayne Fontana
Department of Public Works
Department of City Planning
City Forestry
The Office of Mayor Peduto
Lawrenceville Stakeholders
Better Streets Lawrenceville
Bike Pittsburgh
Historic Review Commission
Stonewall Kickball
Young Preservationists Association
Preservation Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Association

Who's Listening?

Andrea Ketzel

Senior Project Landscape Architect

Department of Public Works

Q&A

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Andrea Ketzel

Senior Landscape Architect

Laura Tsutsui

Digital Engagement Coordinator

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Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Project Kick-Off
Boundary and topographic survey, site assessment, confirm tree conditions, archaeological assessment, & pedestrian study.
- Kick-off meeting
- Survey and field work
- Archaeology Phase 1A
- Farmers Market Tabling Session
- PHMC Consulting Parties Meeting
- Archaeology Phase 1B
Timeline item 2 - complete

Master Plan Update & Schematic Design
Residents are surveyed, decisions are made about layout of spaces, specific program elements, and site grading. Initial meetings with approval authorities take place, including Art Commission.
- Advisory Committee Meeting #1
- Advisory Committee Meeting #2
- Community Meeting #1
- Community Meeting #2
- Community Meeting #3
Timeline item 3 - complete

Design Development
Specific plans, products, and details are developed. The layout, grading, utilities and other elements are developed in more detail. Additional meetings with approving authorities takes place, including DPW, City Planning,and Conservation District. Develop Operation and Maintenance Plan.
- Advisory Committee Meeting #3
- Community Meeting #4
Timeline item 4 - complete

Construction Documents
Technical drawings and specifications are produced. Drawings are submitted for final approvals and permits from Art Commission, City Planning, Department of Public Works, PWSA, and Allegheny County Conservation District.
- Advisory Committee Meeting #4
Timeline item 5 - active

Construction

Pre-construction meeting, bi-weekly construction meetings, shop drawings, mock-ups, RFIs, pay applications, punch lists, and closeout. Finish social media campaign. Park improvements are constructed!

Engage Pittsburgh

Arsenal Park Improvements

Phase I Updates

Project Background