What Your Support Made Possible!

2025 was a year of major progress for the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. From launching the first free, self-guided audio tour in a county park to releasing the first-ever Economic Impact Study for all nine County Parks and securing funding for the final Ecological Assessment and Action Plan for North Park, our work strengthened your parks now and for generations to come.

Read our 2025 Impact blog post to see how, with your incredible support, we are improving, conserving and restoring all nine Allegheny County Parks.

We're Upgrading!

Behind the scenes, we've been giving our digital tools a tune up. Our website has been optimized to run more smoothly, and this spring we're transitioning to Bloomerang, a new donor database that will help us keep track of donations and stay connected with you!

But what does this mean to you? You'll receive a better, more seamless experience when you interact with us online. If anything looks a little different along the way, we promise it's all to better serve our parks and our supporters. We hope you enjoy these changes and they enhance your experience with us!

Observation Tower Update

We are thrilled to announce that the Richard King Mellon Foundation has awarded $500,000 to the North Park Observation Tower project. Originally built in 1937 as a water storage tank, the tower became a beloved attraction, offering visitors panoramic views of the park from its 154-step spiral staircase. Though it has been closed for years, the structure remains in good overall condition.

The Observation Tower project includes minor structural repairs, interior and exterior repainting and safety upgrades to meet current standards. The project will also enhance the surrounding landscape with native plantings, interpretive signage, pedestrian court, new parking lot, improved accessibility and a one-acre wildflower meadow. Together, these improvements will create a more welcoming and meaningful visitor experience for everyone who visits North Park. Donate today to support the restoration of the Observation Tower!

Harrison Hills Park Ecological Assessment and Action Plan Update

We have a small update to the Ecological Assessment and Action Plan for Harrison Hills Park. This update includes a revised plant identification, incorporating the latest information provided by our partners at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). You can find the update on page 17 of the report.

The Parks Foundation has partnered with WPC to complete Ecological Assessments and Action Plans for eight of the County’s nine parks and is currently studying North Park, the ninth and final park. These studies evaluate each park’s natural resources and recommend projects to improve the environment, such as planting trees, meadows and rain gardens to enhance habitats and water quality. Keeping this information current ensures that our shared conservation efforts continue to guide impactful projects in Harrison Hills and throughout the nine county parks.

Save-the-Dates for 2026 Events!

Park 'til Dark and Pour at the Park

South: May 16, 2026

North: September 26, 2026

Twilight Picnic for the Parks

Hartwood Acres Park

August 15, 2026

Event Sponsorship Available

We are looking for a range of sponsorships for our upcoming events. Businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to sponsor with us. Please let us know if you have a perk in mind that is not listed - we are always happy to build the perfect sponsorship for you and your needs!

Share your favorite park story, memory or what you love about the parks! We would love to feature your love of the county parks in our newsletter or on our social media.

Run in GCXC's South Ridge Trail Challenge on May 31 in North Park!

The South Ridge Trail Challenge in North Park is back and better than ever! This year introduces new 5K and 50K options, giving runners even more ways to take on the challenge. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go the distance, now’s the time to plan for the race that fits you best: 5K, 10K, 20K or 50K. The Parks Foundation is once again proudly the race's nonprofit partner and we will be there in May to cheer you on!

Great Backyard Bird Count

The Friends of Harrison Hills Park will once again take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global event that invites bird watchers of all ages and abilities to help create a real-time snapshot of bird populations.

Join the fun on Saturday, February 14, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Environmental Learning Center. Binoculars, bird identification guides and experienced birders will be on hand to help - no experience needed! At 10:30 am and 12:00 pm, head out on a guided hike with a skilled birder through the surrounding fields for a closer look at the birds that call Harrison Hills home. Learn more!

February Park Ranger

Featured Event

Join the Park Rangers for a History Presentation of North Park on Thursday, February 19, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at the Rose Barn to learn about the past, present and future of the park. The Parks Foundation will also be there to help answer questions about the Observation Tower project. Learn more about these events or discover all of Allegheny County events HERE!

info@acparksfoundation.org | acparksfoundation.org | 724.327.7627