Twilight Picnic for the Parks

On a warm August evening, nearly 380 guests gathered under glowing white tents on the Great Lawn at Hartwood Acres Park for our annual Twilight Picnic for the Parks. The night was more than a gala, it was a celebration of the beauty of nature, the strength of our community and the unwavering support that fuels our mission.

With music, art and nature all around, the evening raised over $390,000 to support projects that improve, conserve and restore your nine county parks. Since its debut in 2017, the event has raised more than $3.4 million for transformative park projects.

Read all about Twilight Picnic for the Parks in our August blog post and save the date for next year's event which will take place on August 15, 2026.

Remembering

Tom Armstrong

The Allegheny County Parks Foundation is saddened to share the passing of Tom Armstrong, who served on our Board of Directors from 2013 to 2025.



Tom was a passionate advocate for the outdoors, an avid hiker and cyclist and a dedicated supporter of Allegheny County’s nine parks. His enthusiasm for nature shone through in every conversation and his thoughtful leadership helped guide our mission for more than a decade.

During his time with the Parks Foundation, Tom served as Chair of the Sustainability Committee until it joined with the Project Selection and Oversight Committee, of which he then served as co-chair. He championed projects that advanced trails and supported the vision of the Allegheny Green Web. For many years, Tom participated in the Rachel Carson Challenge and, as former Executive Director Caren Glotfelty recalled, he persistently promoted his vision of connecting Harrison Hills, Deer Lakes, Hartwood Acres and North Park with permanent hiking and biking trails. His commitment to conservation and his love for the outdoors made a lasting impact on our work and on the parks that so many people enjoy today.

We are deeply grateful for Tom’s years of service and he will be missed by the Parks Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff.

North Park Ecological Assessment and Action Plan Funded

We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone for our most ambitious environmental initiative yet: funding is now secured to launch the final Ecological Assessment and Action Plan for North Park! This exciting step marks the culmination of ten years of work to study and strengthen the ecological health of all 12,000 acres of your nine Allegheny County Parks.

These in-depth, science-based studies guide restoration projects like tree and meadow plantings, rain gardens, riparian improvements and more, ensuring our parks stay healthy and thriving for generations to come. Work on the report is scheduled to begin this fall with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Stay tuned for updates!

Marshall Island Kick-Off

Keep an eye out for our Marshall Island Improvement project in North Park! Located just south of the Ice Rink along Pearce Mill Road, this project will enhance the landscape while honoring the original design vision of park planner Paul Riis. Key improvements include:



• Removal of invasive species and diseased trees to improve safety and restore views
• Restoration of the shoreline with native, low-growing plantings to stabilize the water’s edge
• Removal of a retaining wall and excess soil to reestablish a gentle, usable slope for picnicking and passive recreation
• Addition of shade trees and understory plants to enhance the island’s natural beauty



Stay tuned for more updates as we bring new life to this beloved area of the park!

Park 'til Dark & Pour at the Park | North Park

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Registration Now Open!

Park 'til Dark in North Park

Join us for a hands-on day of impact in the parks! Together, we’ll plant 100 new trees near the Dek Hockey Rink at North Park, helping to restore the landscape and create a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages but anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. Come get your hands dirty, make memories and make a difference!

Pour at the Park

Tickets

North Park - October 11, 2025

Join us in North Park on Saturday, October 11 for our annual, family-friendly Pour at the Park fundraiser at the Lodge. The event will feature beer, wine, spirits and nonalcoholic drink tastings, food trucks, live entertainment by the Alter Egos, children's discovery activities hosted by Coach Dave of CDG Sports, fabulous raffle baskets and more!

Presenting Sponsor

We would love to add your corporation or organization to our growing list of sponsors

for Park 'til Dark and/or Pour at the Park!

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, email Kait Merry or call her at 724.327.7627.

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.

Special Collections and Recycling

Our friends at the Pennsylvania Resources Council are offering Glass Recycling from September 6-18 in White Oak Park, Household Chemical Collections on September 6 in South Park and a Hard-to-Recycle Collections on September 27 in Settlers Cabin Park. Learn more about their event collections in your parks!

September Park Ranger

Featured Event

This September, join the Park Rangers to volunteer for National Public Lands Day on September 27, from either Boyce or Deer Lakes parks. Learn more about this event or discover all of Allegheny County events HERE!

info@acparksfoundation.org | acparksfoundation.org | 724.327.7627