November 2023

Headlines

  • Terraced Garden Study

  • Arbor Day Celebration

  • Renovation of Phipps Garden Center

  • Mellon Park Action Plan

  • Volunteer Gardening in Mellon Park

  • Marshall Building Planning

  • Continuing Care for Park Trees

  • Ellis School History Project

Terraced Garden Study

This summer we asked for donations for an engineering study of the Terraced Garden to evaluate the structural condition of the site. The study will provide preliminary concepts for restoration of the space compatible with the park’s historic designation, preliminary cost estimates, and a public process to discuss possible options. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) is partnering with LaQuatra Bonci Associates on the project. The study is under way, with a projected delivery date of January 2024.

Arbor Day Celebration

We hope you had a chance to celebrate Arbor Day with us in Pittsburgh's first public arboretum. Residents from surrounding neighborhoods came together to enjoy the park, get to know one another, and learn about how important it is to care about trees and the environment. Councilperson Erika Strassburger and the Obama Academy drumline and dancers were among more than two dozen community representatives and organizations that participated. Erika Strassburger presented proclamations honoring Mary Savage, a long-time advocate for beautiful green spaces, and Elizabeth Seamans, the founding president of Friends of Mellon Park.

Please join us to celebrate Arbor Day on April 27, 2024. We’ll send more information in the coming year.

Renovation of Phipps Garden Center

The Point Breeze Organization hosted a community meeting on October 19 for Phipps to present their most recent plans for the renovation of the Garden Center. The meeting was well attended and there were many good questions from the audience. If you weren’t able to be there, you can review the presentation on the Phipps website.

The next step is for Phipps to present their project to the City of Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission.

Mellon Park Action Plan

The Mellon Park Action Plan was completed in 2022. The PPC, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, uses the Action Plan as a guide for projects in the park.

In September, the PPC began a project to design and implement improvements to existing park entrances and signage. Improved connectivity and accessibility on both sides of the park and creation of a welcoming environment were in the top tier of Action Plan priorities. This project will establish design characteristics and a materials palette. It will also design and implement improvements to the existing park entrances to provide continuity and consistency. After the public process is complete, a comprehensive signage package will be installed on both sides of the park to identify park amenities, provide wayfinding, and list rules and regulations.

Mayor Gainey’s proposed 2024 budget includes funds allocated to the PPC to resurface pathways, install lights, and enhance park entrances on the north side of Mellon Park. This project is also in the top tier of Action Plan priorities.

Volunteer Gardening in Mellon Park

We continue our ongoing work to maintain perennial plantings throughout Mellon Park. In addition to our own crew of volunteers, we partner with the PPC, Phipps Conservatory, and the Western Pennsylvania Unit of The Herb Society of America. This year, approximately 1,120 hours were spent by dedicated volunteer gardeners in the park. Take a moment to appreciate all their hard work as you admire the beautiful gardens in the park.

Marshall Building Planning

We continue to be a part of the City’s process of determining a future for the Marshall Building, formerly the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, at the corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues. A meeting in September was hosted by Kathryn Vargas, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Participants included Erika Strassburger and her Community Engagement Coordinator and Constituent Services Manager, DaVonn Brown, as well as representatives from the Point Breeze Organization, Friends of Mellon Park, the Walled Garden, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and Media, Phipps Conservatory, the PPC, and Calliope. Another meeting will be held in December.

Continuing Care for Park Trees

Eight trees were added to the Mellon Park Arboretum this year. There are now 35 trees that are a part of our ArbNet arboretum certification. Each of the trees is identified with a tag that includes the tree’s common name, its Latin name, and some fun facts.

In addition, thanks to the generous contributions of many of you, we completed a cycle of tree pruning for the trees most in need on both sides of the park. In the coming months, in cooperation with the City of Pittsburgh Forestry Department, we will be undertaking a second phase of tree care that will include air spading, vertical mulching, mulch rings, and the addition of bio-char, which will benefit the trees identified for treatment as well as their neighbors. This project is currently out for bid.

As always, thank you for your interest in and support for the Mellon Park Arboretum, the first public arboretum in the city of Pittsburgh.

Ellis School History Project

Friends of Mellon Park worked with sophomore students at the Ellis School on a history project concerning Mellon Park. On May 10, the students offered live presentations about many of the notable landmarks in the park. Along with the in-person presentations, the students produced short videos addressing their topics. These videos were accessible via QR codes posted on lawn signs in the park from May 10 through May 31.

Become a Friend of Mellon Park

Friends of Mellon Park is a 100% volunteer-run organization. We are able to help care for the park because of your support. You can become a Friend of Mellon Park.

Please join us and donate today.