REPORT ON THE PUBLIC USE OF SOUTH SIDE PARK Report on the Public Use of South Side Park Pittsburgh, PA Fall 2016

!1 REPORT ON THE PUBLIC USE OF SOUTH SIDE PARK

Report on the Public Use of South Side Park

CONTENTS i. List of Figures ii. Preface and Acknowledgements iii. Executive Summary iv. Introduction v. Analysis vi. Methodology vii. Appendices viii. Credits

!2 REPORT ON THE PUBLIC USE OF SOUTH SIDE PARK

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 : Map - South Side Park Trail System Figure 32 : Map - Quarry Field Figure 2 : Historical Photos of South Side Park Figure 33 : Importance of Park Amenities Figure 3 : South Side Park - Stormwater Concept, Figure 34 : General Issues and Concerns with South PWSA Side Park I Figure 4 : Map - All Responses Figure 35 : General Issues and Concerns with South Figure 5 : Map - City of Pittsburgh Responses Side Park II Figure 6 : Map - Hilltop and South Side Flats residents Figure 36 : Poor and Fair Ratings - Bathrooms Figure 7 : Seasonal Patterns I Figure 37 : Poor and Fair Ratings - ADA Access Figure 8 : Seasonal Patterns II Figure 38 : Poor and Fair Ratings - Shelters Figure 9 : Park Entrances Figure 39 : Poor and Fair Ratings - Park Information Figure 10 : Map - Park Entrances Figure 40 : Poor and Fair Ratings - Benches Figure 11 : Map - Parking Locations Figure 41 : Fair and Good Ratings - Arlington Figure 12 : Parking Locations Playground Figure 13 : Distance Traveled Figure 42 : Fair and Good Ratings - Park Cleanliness Figure 14 : Active vs. Passive Recreation Figure 43 : Fair and Good Ratings - South Side Field Figure 15 : SSSNA Survey - Recreation (Arlington) Figure 16 : Park Areas Visited I Figure 44 : Fair and Good Ratings - Quarry Field Figure 17 : Park Areas Visited II Figure 45 : Fair and Good Ratings - Car Access Figure 18 : SSSNA Survey - Park Areas Visited Figure 46 : Fair and Good Ratings - Park Maintenance Figure 19 : Frequency of Visits Figure 47 : Fair and Good Ratings - Safety and Figure 20 : Time of Day I Security Figure 21 : Time of Day II Figure 48 : Fair and Good Ratings - Trails Figure 22 : Duration of Visit I Figure 49 : Good and Excellent Ratings - City Views Figure 23 : Duration of Visit II Figure 50 : Good and Excellent Ratings - Bike Access Figure 24 : Residence of Visitors Figure 51 : Installation Request by Amenity Figure 25 : Size of Household Figure 52 : Basic Amenity Issues Figure 26 : Age of Visitors Figure 53 : Survey Response Count Figure 27 : Gender Figure 54 : Interviewees Figure 28 : Ethnicity, Self Identified Figure 55 : Outreach - Social Media Figure 29 : Map - Primary Park Amenities Figure 56 : Outreach - Newsletter Figure 30 : Map - Bandi Schaum Figure 57 : Outreach - Community Event Figure 31 : Map - Upper South Side Park Amenities

!3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

- Time of survey - Data collection methods

- Based on survey results: overall visitors, when use park

- Top percentage of where enter the park

- How long people use the park

- Residential stats of visitors (Hilltop, City of Pittsburgh, adjacent neighborhood, outside of City)

- In person interview trends

!4 INTRODUCTION

South Side Park Bordered on all sides by neighborhood streets, South Side Park is unique in its location and topography. A hidden 65-acre gem four blocks south of bustling East Carson Street in the South Side Flats, bordering South Side Slopes and Arlington neighborhoods, this multi- neighborhood community park has been chronically underutilized and under maintained. Adjacent to 18th Street and Mission Street, South Side Park is one of the largest publicly- owned green spaces in South Pittsburgh. Principal entrances to the park are found at 21st Street, 18th Street, Saint Patrick Street and Arlington Avenue. On three sides of the park (east, west and south) adjacent land is residential, with mostly single-family homes.

!5 Historical Context

The history of the site that is now South Side Park is varied and driven by the industrial history of Pittsburgh. Before the creation of South Side Park, the land was primarily residential, owned by the Ormsby family. A map from 1872 shows the area of the future South Side Park containing a stream along Quarry Road, Keeling & Co. with a railroad leading to an incline, and the Baddey Brothers coke ovens at the base of the Keeling & Co. incline. By 1876 the stream had been interrupted and the coke ovens had disappeared. By 1886 the stream was completely gone, and a new neighborhood had been established along the eastern edge. The St.Clair Incline Railroad, a resident focused incline, was operational through South Side Park between 1886 and 1935. A lower station on Josephine Street near South 22nd street brought residents to an upper station on Salisbury Street between Fernleaf and Sterling Street. The track ran up the western side of Greeley Street. By 1916, a zone of development was established between 18th Street and Quarry Street. The Sankey Brothers Brick Yard had been established to the east of Quarry Street, the Pumping Station had been built, a new industrial incline ran up the eastern edge, and Mission Street bridged the site.

In 1934 the City of Pittsburgh received a gift of 5.5 acres of land along Saint Patrick Street and Quarry Street from the Frederick C. Renziehausen estate, which was transformed into a new park, the Sophia Everet Playground #1. In 1948, the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission approved a plan to construct a 65-acre park that would include the Sophia Everet playground, Arlington playground, properties in between the two locations and to the north, crossing Mission Street and ending near Josephine Street. An additional 9.5 acres of land were purchased within this process. By the mid-1960s pathways were built from the Arlington ball field area to the interior of the park.

!6

Clockwise: 1872 Map, 1876 Map, 1916 Map, 1886 Map

Park Plans and Current History

In 2003, the South Side Local Development Company used a $10,000 grant through the Pittsburgh Community Design Center to commission a master site plan to create a new vision for South Side Park from Klavon Design Associates. Titled Master Site Plan: South Side Park, the study documented existing park conditions and used public participation through community meetings to suggest guiding design principles for the park. In 2006, the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA) began mapping trails, springs, water and general park features to help facilitate park use.

!7

In 2008, Janice Serra, SSSNA board member, developed a storm water management plan entitled “Where the Water Meets the Concrete: South Side Park Stream Daylighting Project.” In 2008, the South Side Local Development Company utilized $33,000 of Elm Street funding to hire SKELLY and LOY to complete the South Side Park Greenspace Management Plan, to investigate strategies to improve South Side Park by gathering, analyzing and assessing the environmental features of the park. Outcomes of this plan include the development of a safe, accessible, sustainable trail system within South Side Park, expanding upon the existing informal trail system, and suggested management strategies. In 2008 the South Side Local Development Company utilized $15,000 of Elm Street funding for Klavon Design Associates to develop the 18th Street Corridor Study: Streetscape Strategies, addressing entrances into South Side Park. 18th Street is a primary gateway to the South Side Slopes and the primary connector from the Flats to the Slopes neighborhoods.

In February 2010, the Neville Ice Arena within the park collapsed under the weight of snow, and in May of 2010 caught on fire and was condemned by the City of Pittsburgh. The site was demolished. In May 2012, the Bandi Schaum Community Garden opened its gate to the community with the guidance of Grow Pittsburgh. In the summer of 2012, the Brashear Association and SSSNA funded the Student Conservation Association to perform invasive species removal and trail improvements. In 2013, a $45,000 grant from the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development allowed the SSSNA to partner with the Student Conservation Association, Mount Washington CDC, and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to continue park improvements. In 2013, SSSNA hosted a series of fundraisers to fund signage for the trail system, and led to the tentative naming of the main loop as Ol’ Reinziehausen trail, after a distiller who perfected Pure Monongahela Rye. On April 10, 2014, 60 designers, architects and environmentalists participated in the 3-day South Side Charrette to design an improved stormwater management plan for South Side Park and the 21st Street Corridor. In 2015 and 2016, PPC facilitated a volunteer event for Earth Day, sponsored by SSSNA.

!8 Recent South Side Park Work The community has enlisted and coordinated a number of organization to help implement improvements in South Side Park.

Physical Improvements • Landforce is a Pittsburgh based non-profit organization, focused on providing professional level land stewardship including trail building and maintenance, green infrastructure, and native plant restoration. Since 2014, Landforce has been working at the behest of South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA) to address the deteriorating and fragmented trails of South Side Park and to improve connectivity among the north, south and western areas of the park, providing community members with a means of transportations and recreation. The work has included: rehabilitating and building nearly a mile and a quarter of trails with proper drainage, closing old and eroded trails, and removing jump site debris.

• Student Conservation Association (SCA), a local nonprofit organization, pays and trains high school students to build new trails, maintain existing trails, install erosion control structures, remove invasive species and clean up trash. Since 2014, Student Conservation Association has fielded 6 Community Conservation Crews in South Side Park and organized over 400 volunteers on service days that have focused on trail work and invasive species management. Since 2013 SCA crews and volunteers working in South Side Park have contributed 5,396 hours of conservation service, maintained and built 1,400 feet of trail, treated 40 acres of invasive species and saved 300+ trees from invasive vines.

• In 2016, trailhead improvements at Bandi Schaum Trailhead were installed through the GTECH Ambassador program, funded through a FedEx grant, and led by Ambassador and SSSNA Board member, Jamie Balser.

• PPC’s volunteer event sponsored by UPMC Health Plan took place in September 2016.

!9 • In fall 2016, the City of Pittsburgh and SSSNA began piloting the City of Pittsburgh’s Open Space Signage in South Side Park. The Bandi Schaum Trailhead GTECH Ambassador Project and trails throughout the park will receive Mapping and Trail Marker signage in early 2017. The City of Pittsburgh and the Hilltop Alliance are also supporting a printing of South Side Park maps that mirror the Open Space Signage.

Programming • In May 2016, a Youth Orienteering Program with Brashear Association was funded by Birmingham Foundation and led by Mr. Alex Rzewski, a Western PA Orienteering Club member.

Funding • Birmingham Foundation currently funds trail construction from the loop road to the Henry Kaufman Center (Landforce), Youth Orienteering (Brashear Association) and the formation of Friends of South Side Park. • The Brashear Association provides funding for invasive species removal by the SCA. • GTECH and a FedEx grant supported the trailhead improvements at Bandi Schaum in 2016.

!10 Current Planning Environment

In 2016, South Side Park has attracted increasing attention for its potential to capture stormwater and runoff in its landscape, keeping water from entering the sewer system and contributing to the City of Pittsburgh’s combined sewage overflows in rain events.

Established in 2016, The Friends of South Side Park (FOSSP) is a volunteer-based advocacy group representing the diverse set of user groups in South Side Park, including South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Hilltop Alliance, 4th River Music Collective, Bandi Schaum Community Garden, GTECH Bandi Schaum Trailhead Project, Landforce, South Side Bears, Pittsburgh Sports League, CitiParks, Arlington Recreation Center, Brashear Association, and residents of South Side Slopes, South Side Flats, and Arlington neighborhoods. Invitations to participate have been extended to South Side Athletic Association, Student Conservation Association, Monster Sports, and Arlington Civic Association. The Hilltop Alliance and its member organization, South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA), set out to form Friends of South Side Park with the intention of building a working group that addresses the need for advocacy and planning around South Side Park.

In 2016, the South Side Park - Stormwater Concept Design, a sewershed analysis of the M-19 watershed within which the park is situated, was commissioned by Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) and designed by Phronesis. This work was a conceptual plan for redirecting stormwater from the park into a series of green infrastructure installations with the eventual directed discharge at the Monongahela River. PWSA was the convener of the 21st Street Charrette in 2014.

!11 LEGEND

Pervious Collection Bioswale Conveyance South Side Park Detention Capture

21 st n 1 St rso 8t re Ca h S et tre et

Monongahela River

Riverfront

Phronesis

In 2016, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Planning submitted a grant to DCNR for a South Side Park Master Plan for $40,000. A 2017 capital budget request has been initiated to fulfill the required DCNR match of an additional $40,000. The grant has been awarded, and the City will convene the master plan process in the spring or summer of 2017. Additionally, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is developing the schematic design for 21st Street Stormwater Improvements. The community advocacy and feedback process will be coordinated with the South Side Park Master Plan.

Challenge of Measuring Park Usage Electronic and print methods were used for the community survey, which was primarily circulated by the member organizations of the Friends of South Side Park. Funds were not available for a household mailer, on site survey distribution, or visitor counts and interviews.

!12 Low participation from specific member organization resulted in lower responses from their respective neighborhoods or user groups. Distribution of the South Side Park User Survey is detailed in the Methodology section of this report. Interviews of primary user groups were conducted prior to the formation of FOSSP.

Previous Surveys In early 2016, the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association released a South Side Slopes neighborhood survey which included questions about South Side Park. There were 87 responses from South Side Slopes residents to this survey. Responses to the park questions are compared to the results of the South Side Park User Survey in the Analysis portion of this report.

!13 ANALYSIS

Methods of Data Analysis

Data driven responses were analyzed from the South Side Park User Survey in the three user categories - all responses, City of Pittsburgh residents, Hilltop and South Side flats residents - to show regional and local trends of park usage.

All Responses - A total of 166 respondents participated in the South Side Park User Survey.

City of Pittsburgh residents - A total of 123 of 166 respondents who participated in the South Side Park User Survey are residents of the City of Pittsburgh, representing 74% of overall respondents.

Hilltop and South Side Flats residents - A total of 86 of 166 respondents who participated in the South Side Park User Survey are residents of the Hilltop neighborhoods and the South Side Flats, representing 52% of overall respondents.

!14 A second data analysis was performed, separating respondents into Hilltop and South Side Flats, City of Pittsburgh residents (non-Hilltop), and residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh. This separation was performed to isolate the adjacent neighborhoods from the broader City of Pittsburgh resident trends, and from the responses of individuals who live outside the City of Pittsburgh. There were 86 responses from Hilltop + South Side Flats neighborhoods, 50 responses from City of Pittsburgh residents (non-Hilltop), and 30 responses from residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh.

!15 Volume and Patterns of Use

Public Awareness of South Side Park Are you (or your household) aware of South Side Park?

Residents of the Hilltop and South Side Flats neighborhoods are the most aware that South Side Park exists, and that it is a City of Pittsburgh park. As the ring of park users moves further away from the park itself, individuals are less likely to be familiar with South Side Park. Marketing is needed to attract residents from all City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods to South Side Park.

Resident Location Yes, I am aware of South Side No, I am not aware of South Park Side Park All 80% 20%

City of Pittsburgh 85% 15%

Hilltop and South Side flats 93% 7%

South Side Slopes 91% 9% Neighborhood Survey

Baseline Usage of South Side Park Have you (or your household) utilized South Side Park?

Residents of the Hilltop and South Side Flats neighborhoods are the most likely to have used South Side Park. Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are more likely to have used South Side Park than City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding Hilltop and South Side Flats).

!16 Resident Location Yes, I have utilized South Side No, I have not utilized South Park Side Park All 68% 32%

City of Pittsburgh 64% 36%

Hilltop and South Side flats 83% 17%

Seasonal Patterns

South Side Park is used throughout all four seasons, with primary use in Spring, Summer and Fall. Residents living in Hilltop neighborhoods and the South Side Flats are more likely than residents of the City of Pittsburgh to use South Side Park in the summer. In winter, South Side Park is still used by 30% of total survey respondents.

Area of Interest Spring Summer Fall Winter

All 65% 72% 69% 30%

City of Pittsburgh 66% 75% 73% 30%

Hilltop/South Side 68% 80% 73% 29% flats

Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are slightly more likely to use South Side Park in the Winter (16% versus 12% City of Pittsburgh residents).

City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding the Hilltop) consistently represent around 30% of park use each season (28% spring, 29% summer, 31% fall, and 27% winter). In the fall season, a greater proportion of City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding the Hilltop) use South

!17 Side Park (31% of City of Pittsburgh residents versus 24% of residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh).

Residents of the Hilltop + South Side flats are most likely to answer questions about seasonal park use (60% of overall responses). Hilltop residents represent nearly 60% of park use for all seasons (59% spring, 61% summer, 59% fall, and 59% winter overall).

Area of Spring Summer Fall Winter Total Total Interest Percentage Residents 13 14 11 7 45 11% outside of the City of Pittsburgh

City of 32 33 36 14 115 29% Pittsburgh residents (excluding Hilltop)

Hilltop + 64 74 68 30 236 60% South Side Flats residents

Total Count 109 121 115 51 396 100%

Total 28% 31% 29% 13% Percentage

Geographic Distribution of Visits

Entrances + Volumes Users of South Side Park enter from various points around the park, which is directly adjacent to three different communities, and separated by diverse topography and terrain. Although all entrance points are actively used, park users are primarily entering from a few

!18 locations. The Bandi Schaum entrance (community garden, Mission Street, Plateau) draws 31% of all users. Secondary entrances include Quarry Field (17%) and 18th Street/Mission Street steps (17%). Tertiary entrances include the 21st Street steps, (13%), Sterling Street Steps (8%), Salisbury Street (7%), and the Firehouse/Arlington Ball field (7%).

Entrance Number of Park User Percentage of Park Users

Bandi Schaum 83 31%

Quarry Field 46 17%

18th Street/Mission Street Steps 46 17%

21st Street Steps 35 13%

Sterling Street Steps 21 8%

Salisbury Street 18 7%

Firehouse/Arlington Ballfield 17 7%

Left: 18th Street and Quarry Field entrance; Right: 21st Street Steps leading to Quarry Field

!19 Parking Locations Users were asked an open-ended question about where they parked when arriving at South Side Park, if they drove to the park. Mission Street and/or Bandi Schaum are the primary parking locations for park users (over 61%) - 32% in the Mission Street parking lot and 29% at the Bandi Schaum Community Garden micro-lot. Almost 11% of park users park in a location within the South Side Flats (21st Street, South Side, Josephine Street, or elsewhere in the Flats). Only 7% of all survey respondents parked in the Quarry Field parking lot, and most did so only for weekend football games at Quarry Field. When the Quarry Field parking lot is filled for weekend games, attendee parking spills out onto 18th Street.

!20 Parking Location Sub-Location Number of Users Percentage of Users

Bandi Schaum Mission Street Parking Lot 24 32%

Bandi Schaum 22 29% Community Garden micro- lot

Quarry Field Quarry Field Lot 13 7%

18th Street 2 3%

South Side Flats Flats 1 11% total

21st Street 3

Josephine Street 3

South Side 1

Other locations “Street" 4 18% total

!21 Parking Location Sub-Location Number of Users Percentage of Users

Ball Fields 3

Varies 4

Saber Way 2

Fernleaf Street 1

How Far Users Travel to South Side Park Park users were asked an open-ended question about how far they travel to get to South Side Park. Park users come from a variety of distances to experience South Side Park. Although many visitors to South Side Park reside in the adjacent neighborhoods, a dedicated user base travels longer distances to access South Side Park. A small percentage of individuals travel longer distances to access South Side Park - 1% travel 10-15 miles, 3% travel 15-20 miles, and 2% travel more than one hour to access South Side Park.

Distance Traveled to Access Number of Respondents Percentage of Respondents South Side Park

Less than One Mile 71 56%

1 - 5 miles 23 18%

5 - 10 miles 25 20%

10 - 15 miles 1 1%

15 - 20 miles 4 3%

21+ miles 3 2%

!22 Nature of Park Use What are people doing in the park? Who do they come with? How often do they visit, and for how long?

Activities Engaged by User Active Recreation vs. Passive Recreation A variety of recreation is available within South Side Park, ranging from passive recreation (commutes, walking, pet walking, wildlife observation, picnicking, and community gathering spaces) to active recreation (biking, running, jogging, and utilizing a sports field).

Standard Definitions Active Recreation - is generally defined as forms of recreation that primarily involve physical activities - such as sports, exercise and playground use - and that often require dedicated facilities. Passive Recreation - refers to more subdued activities, such as taking a walk, reading a book, picnicking, bird watching, that generally involve observation and passive enjoyment of one’s surroundings.

Most Popular Categories of Activity The most popular activities in South Side Park are wildlife observation (43% overall) and using the park as a community gathering space (31% overall). Other popular activities include running/jogging (29% overall), walking pets (27% overall), and use of a sports field (22% overall). Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are most likely to run/jog (34% versus 29% overall), walk their pets (33% versus 27% overall), and utilize a sports field (31% versus 22% overall).

!23 Active or Passive Activity All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Recreation Side flats Active Bike 16% 14% 16%

Passive Run/Jog 29% 31% 34%

Passive Commute 10% 11% 12%

Passive Walk Pet 27% 28% 33%

Passive Wildlife 43% 41% 43% Observation

Passive Picnic 20% 19% 19%

Passive Community 31% 28% 29% Gathering Space

Active Use a Sports Field 22% 27% 31%

The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Survey asked residents for what purpose they use South Side Park. This question had 50 responses, representing 57% of residents who took this survey. South Side Slopes residents primarily use South Side Park to walk, hike, dog walk, and sightsee, and are primarily engaging in passive recreation activities.

Portion of South Side Passive or Active Number of Responses Percentage of Park Recreation Responses Walking Passive 15 30%

Hiking Passive 11 22%

Dog Walking Passive 9 18%

Sightseeing Passive 5 10%

Fitness/Running/Biking Active 4 8%

Recreation Passive 4 8%

Picnicking Passive 3 6%

Playing with Children Passive 3 6%

!24 Portion of South Side Passive or Active Number of Responses Percentage of Park Recreation Responses Athletic Games Active 3 6%

Volunteering/Clean Ups Active 3 6%

Gardening Active 2 4%

Escape to Nature/Relax Passive 2 4%

SSSNA Events Passive 2 4%

Party Passive 1 2%

Short Cut Passive 1 2%

Sledding Active 1 2%

Climbing Active 1 2%

Social Nature of Park Visits

Areas Visited The greatest number of South Side Park visitors use the trails (63% overall) and the Bandi Schaum Plateau (39% overall). Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are most likely to use the Bandi Schaum Community Garden (25% versus 21% overall), Quarry Field (24% versus 17% overall), and the Arlington Playground (15% versus 10% overall).

Amenity All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats Trails 63% 63% 67%

Bandi Schaum Plateau 39% 36% 36%

Bandi Schaum 21% 22% 26% Community Garden Quarry Field 17% 18% 24%

South Side fields 15% 13% 17% (Arlington)

!25 Amenity All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats Playground (Arlington) 10% 11% 15%

A greater proportion of Hilltop and South Side Flats residents use Bandi Schaum Community Garden (15% of Hilltop residents versus 11% of non City of Pittsburgh residents) and Quarry Field than any other group (12% of Hilltop residents versus 7% of City of Pittsburgh residents, non Hilltop).

The Bandi Schaum Plateau is most used by Hilltop residents (49% of Bandi Schaum Plateau usage) and City of Pittsburgh residents, non-Hilltop (33% of Bandi Schaum Plateau usage). Of all park use by residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh, 39% is at the Bandi Schaum Plateau, and 31% of park use by City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding Hilltop) is the Bandi Schaum Plateau.

The trails in South Side Park are equally loved by all resident groupings - 39% of residents outside of the City, 40% of residents within the City (excluding the Hilltop), and 38% of all Hilltop and South Side Flats residents.

Area of Trails Bandi Bandi Quarry South Playground Total Percentage Interest Schaum Schaum Field Side Plateau Community Fields Garden (Arlington)

Residents 14 11 4 3 3 1 36 13 outside of the City of Pittsburgh

City of 27 21 8 5 4 3 68 25 Pittsburgh residents (excludng Hilltop)

!26 Area of Trails Bandi Bandi Quarry South Playground Total Percentage Interest Schaum Schaum Field Side Plateau Community Fields Garden (Arlington)

Hilltop + 63 31 24 20 16 12 166 61 South Side flats residents

Total 104 63 36 28 23 16 270

Percentage 39 23 13 10 9 6

The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Survey asked residents for what purpose they use South Side Park. This question had 50 responses, representing 57% of residents who took this survey. South Side Slopes residents use the Trails (42%), Athletic Fields (25%), Most/All of the Park (21%), the Bandi Schaum Community Garden (13%), and the Arlington Playground (10%) the most.

Portion of South Side Park Number of Responses Percentage of Responses

Trails 20 42%

Athletic Fields 12 25%

Most/All of Park 10 21%

Bandi Schaum Community 6 13% Garden

Playground 5 10%

One Specific Route 4 8%

Bandi Schaum Plateau 3 6%

Picnic Area 1 2%

Woods 1 2%

!27 Portion of South Side Park Number of Responses Percentage of Responses

Bike Trail 1 2%

Frequency of Park Visits

Frequency Non City of Pittsburgh residents use South Side Park the least, however this group use South Side Park a few times a year (4% overall). Some residents travel over an hour to visit South Side Park. Non City of Pittsburgh residents represent 11% of respondents.

City of Pittsburgh residents (outside of the Hilltop and South Side Flats) use South Side Park primarily a few times a month (7% overall), a few times a year (8% overall) and less than a few times a year (6%). City of Pittsburgh residents (outside of the Hilltop and South Side Flats) represent 28% of respondents.

Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are most likely to use South Side Park regularly. Hilltop residents use South Side Park daily (10% overall), a few times a week (15% overall), once a month (6% overall), a few times a month (8% overall), a few times a year (8% overall), and less than a few times per year (8% overall). Hilltop and South Side Flats residents represent 61% of respondents.

Location Every Once/ Few Once/ Few Few Less Don’t Total Day Weel Times/ Month Times/ Times/ Than a Know Count Week Month Year Few Times/ Year Non City of 1 1 3 0 3 6 1 1 16 Pittsburgh

!28 Location Every Once/ Few Once/ Few Few Less Don’t Total Day Weel Times/ Month Times/ Times/ Than a Know Count Week Month Year Few Times/ Year City of Pittsburgh 1 2 1 4 10 11 9 1 39 (outside of Hilltop + South Side flats)

Hilltop + South 14 5 21 9 11 11 11 4 86 Side flats

Total Count 16 8 25 13 24 28 21 6 141

Total Percentage 11% 6% 18% 9% 17% 20% 15% 4% 100%

!29 Time of Day South Side Park is used throughout the day and night. Primary use occurs in the afternoon (12pm to 5pm) and evening (5pm to 9pm). Nearly 11% of the overall survey respondents are using South Side Park overnight (9pm to 6am). South Side Park is used equally by all residents categories overnight (9pm to 6am).

Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more likely than any other resident category to use South Side Park during the morning (74% of all morning users), afternoon (59% of all afternoon users), and the evening (65% of all evening users). Residents of the Hilltop and South Side Flats are more likely to use South Side Park in the morning (6am to 12pm) and evening (5pm to 9pm) than residents of the City of Pittsburgh.

Residents of the City of Pittsburgh (non-Hilltop residents) are most likely to use South Side Park in the afternoon (43% of City of Pittsburgh resident visits) and the evening (30% of City of Pittsburgh resident visits). Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are most likely to use South Side Park in the evening (52% of all visits from residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh).

Area of Morning Afternoon Evening Overnight Total Percentage Interest (6am to (12pm to (5pm to (9pm to 6am) 12pm) 5pm) 9pm) Residents 4 8 13 6 31 14% outside of City of Pittsburgh

City of 7 23 16 7 53 24% Pittsburgh residents (excluding Hilltop)

!30 Area of Morning Afternoon Evening Overnight Total Percentage Interest (6am to (12pm to (5pm to (9pm to 6am) 12pm) 5pm) 9pm)

Hilltop + 31 45 53 7 136 61% South Side Flats residents

Total 42 76 82 20 220

Percentage 19% 35% 37% 9%

Duration of Visits The greatest number of overall park visitors use South Side Park for 30 minutes to one hour. Neighborhood residents are also more likely than any other group to use South Side Park for 30 minutes to one hour, and one to two hours. Hilltop residents are most likely to use South Side Park for 30 minutes (67% of 30 minute users), 30 minutes to 1 hour (77% of 30 minute to 1 hour users) and 1 to 2 hours (66% of all 1 to 2 hour users).

Individuals who live outside of the neighborhood area are significantly more likely to utilize South Side Park for over two hours per visit. City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding the Hilltop) and residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are most likely to spend more than two hours in the park, and are more likely to say that their visit length varies. City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding the Hilltop) have the highest number of individuals using South Side Park for more than two hours.

Area of Less than 30 min to 1 to 2 2 or more Varies Total Total Interest 30 min one hour hours hours Percentage Residents 1 3 4 8 5 21 13% outside of the City of Pittsburgh

!31 Area of Less than 30 min to 1 to 2 2 or more Varies Total Total Interest 30 min one hour hours hours Percentage City of 3 8 7 15 12 45 28% Pittsburgh residents (excluding the Hilltop)

Hilltop and 8 37 21 13 14 93 58% South Side flats residents

Total 12 48 32 36 31 159

Total 8% 30% 20% 23% 19% Percentag e

!32 Characteristics of Park Users Who uses South Side Park?

Residence of Visitors

A greater number of South Side Park visitors own homes than rent. Within the Hilltop and South Side Flats neighborhoods, respondents were significantly more likely than the overall results to own their home.

Home Ownership All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side flats

Rent 41.5% 37.8% 37.2%

Own 58.5% 62.2% 62.8%

The greatest number of South Side Park visitors live in households with one to two people (60% overall). Hilltop and South Side Flats residents were more likely to have five or more individuals in their household.

Number of Individuals All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats in the Household 1- 2 60% 62.5% 57.5%

3-4 29.7% 27.7% 30.8%

5+ 10.3% 9.8% 11.5%

!33 Demographics of Visitors

Age of Visitors The greatest number of South Side Park visitors are aged 26 to 35 years old (42%), followed by ages 36 to 45 years old (23%). An insignificant number of park visitors were aged 15 to 17, and greater than 66 years old.

In the adjacent neighborhoods of the Hilltop and South Side Flats, park users were significantly more likely to be aged 0-6 (18% versus 13% overall), 7-14 (17% versus 12% overall) and 15 to 17 (8% versus 4% overall). The Hilltop neighborhoods have one of the highest concentration of youth under age 18 in the City of Pittsburgh. Hilltop and South Side Flats park visitors were also significantly more likely to be aged 36 to 45 (30% versus 23% overall) and 46 to 55 (18% versus 13% overall).

Age Range (years old) All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

0-6 13% 14% 18%

7-14 12% 14% 17%

15 - 17 4% 5% 8%

18 - 25 13% 11% 9%

26 - 35 42% 44% 38%

36 - 45 23% 26% 30%

46- 55 13% 14% 18%

56 - 65 15% 13% 11%

66+ 1% 1% 1%

!34 Gender of Visitors A greater number of men use South Side Park than women, with the highest concentration of men represented in the Hilltop and South Side Flats (neighborhood) area. Individuals outside of the adjacent neighborhoods were substantially more likely to choose gender non-identification than residents of the adjacent neighborhoods.

Gender Identity All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Male 48.6% 48.2% 52.6%

Female 46.6% 47.4% 46.2%

I choose to not identify 4.8% 4.4% 1.2% gender

Ethnicity of Visitors, Self Identification The most significant number of South Side Park visitors self-identify as Caucasian (69%), followed by African American (12%). Overall survey results showed small percentages of other ethnic self-identifications - American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and Other. Hilltop and South Side Flats respondents were more likely to identify as African American (16% versus 12% overall), and less likely to identify as Other (1% versus 6% overall).

Ethnicity (Self All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats Identified) Caucasian 69% 73% 72%

African American 12% 15% 16%

American Indian 2% 2% 1%

Asian 1% 0% 0%

Native Hawaiian/ 0% 0% 0% Pacific Islander

Hispanic/Latino 4% 4% 5%

!35 Ethnicity (Self All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats Identified) Other 6% 3% 1%

!36 Primary User Groups by Park Locations

Information from this section was primarily acquired from in-person interviews with primary user groups identified during the research process of the Friends of South Side Park formation. Interviewees are grouped by primary location of park engagement.

!37 Bandi Schaum Bandi Schaum is a much beloved grouping of location-based amenities in South Side Park, which is accessible from Mission Street. This location of the park offers a community garden, a public rock faced plateau area, and the entrance to the South Side Park trail network.

Bandi Schaum Trailhead GTECH ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador Project: Bandi Schaum South Side Park Trail Entrance - This project was led by South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association member, Jamie Balser, in 2016. This project redesigned the underutilized entrance to South Side Park to be more pronounced and welcoming. Jamie has removed invasive plants, created defined native planting beds, and replaced the unsightly Jersey Barriers with natural boulders. Jamie has hosted multiple community volunteer events, including a FedEx employee volunteer day and a birdhouse building day with students at the Brashear Association.

“The work that we are doing in the park is very important to me. Working in one’s own neighborhood is so fulfilling and I encourage others to do the same.” ~ Jamie Balser

Bandi Schaum Plateau The Bandi Schaum Plateau is a flat rock outcrop that lies on the cliff’s edge just above the Bandi Schaum Community Garden. The open space is used by many different communities as a gathering location. This area is regularly used throughout the day and night, and during all four seasons.

!38

4th River Music Collective - This intergenerational music collective emerged over regular bonfire gatherings on the Bandi Schaum Plateau since 2012. Many 4th River Music Collective members are Bandi Schaum Community Garden members, and some live in Mt. Oliver, Arlington, South Side Slopes, and South Side Flats neighborhoods. This community includes buskers, or street performers, who perform in the South Side and gather at the “Temple of the Dog” on the Monongahela River. The community has grown to over 50 active collective members and musicians of all ages and races. In August 2015 they hosted the all day long music event called “the 4th River Music Festival” at the Bandi Schaum Plateau that included more than 15 acts from 1pm to midnight. This event was hosted as a sober event to encourage responsibility on the Plateau. Donations were collected to provide gas funds to touring bands.

!39 Members of the collective are drawn to the Bandi Schaum Plateau because it feels like nature in the city, escaping into the wilds. The Bandi Schaum Plateau is known as a “safe zone” where artists can be free to be themselves and create community through use of the open space, and the public can freely join. 4th River Music Collective members are interested in working to create park stewards and support the creation of park stewardship signage and guidelines in the broader park.

The 4th River Music Collective agree that there is a balance between community and accumulating trash on the Plateau, and they take care to take their trash out with them, and regularly return to perform cleanups after hosting events at the Plateau. They claim that “burn- outs” and train hoppers from the broader Pittsburgh area are responsible for the glass and destruction that has happened at the Bandi Schaum Plateau. They have witnessed “rebel- rousers” come down to the Plateau from the Arlington neighborhood through Jurassic Valley, and the 4th River Music Collective have had to “police” these individuals. They acknowledge that the Plateau has a tendency to attract homeless individuals.

The 4th River Music Collective is willing to defend the Bandi Schaum Plateau in its current open-space design. They feel strongly that the wild, open autonomous space is unique in Pittsburgh, and should be preserved in its current form. They are open to the expansion of stewardship signage in the space, and would like to see signage, trash cans and bathrooms installed to help that efforts. They consider the Bandi Schaum Plateau to be a sacred, wild space. To program the Bandi Schaum Plateau beyond rehabilitating the natural landscape would incur strong push-back from this community.

“I have used the Plateau at Bandi Schaum many times over the last five years, mostly as a gathering place to play music, hang out and look over the city, to hike through nature, and to celebrate the changing of the season.” ~ Isaac of the 4th River Music Collective

“The Bandi Schaum Plateau saved my life.” ~ James of the 4th River Music Collective

!40

Solstice Parties - Twice yearly, on the Solstice, members of the Bandi Schaum community gather to celebrate the change of seasons. The Bandi Schaum Plateau is broadly used by the magical communities and interfaith congregations of Pittsburgh as an outdoor worship space. The Solstice gatherings are a religious ritual to mark the shift of the seasons that draws over 500 attendees to each event. The events are held overnight on the Bandi Schaum Plateau, and frequently host up to two large bonfires.

Other Bandi Schaum Usages and Events - The Bandi Schaum Plateau is used by other community members for smaller and more frequent events.

“I exclusively use Bandi Schaum as an events space where people can come together, outside the law or permits, to party, on their own terms. What resulted were beautiful events, where people did indeed pull together, volunteered by their many different talents, and many people had fun, with no repercussions or mishaps.” ~ Amanda from the interfaith communities and former Bandi Schaum Community Garden member

Amanda noted that she did not know how to acquire a permit for this location, or with whom to discuss hosting an event. She would love to see workshops and events hosted in South Side Park at the Bandi Schaum Plateau.

Bandi Schaum Community Garden The Bandi Schaum Community Garden is a 80-plot community garden that was established in 2012 through a Grow Pittsburgh grant where the City of Pittsburgh originally tilled the land. The garden is run by a small group of garden members and is primarily maintained by volunteers. The garden committee writes grants, holds meeting, and manages the garden newsletter. Volunteer days primarily bring in outside volunteer groups (DuQuesne students, University of Pittsburgh students, etc.).

!41 The Bandi Schaum Community Garden has had issues with vandalism and theft, so the gates are now locked to non-members. The site has a pavilion, but someone stole the benches. Members love the space and its location, the adjacent parking lots and ease of access.

The garden regularly has 10+ plots that are not well utilized, and the City of Pittsburgh has to “police” the maintenance. “The last time I had an actual plot in the garden, the management was struggling with the city policy of policing plot renters who had habitually abandoned their plots, instead of moving forward and renting the plot to another person who perhaps would practice more active gardening.” Amanda, former Bandi Schaum Community Garden member

The Brashear Association Youth Orienteering team leader suggested that there be a permanent outside pavilion placed next to the Bandi Schaum Community Garden for public programming, that is not inside of a locked fence. This person considered the composting area messy, unconfined, and thought it could be a better used public space.

South Side Park Trails Network

Trails Development and Maintenance South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association - South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA) coordinated funding for trails development in South Side Park. SSSNA raised $45,000 from Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development in 2013 and 2014 for cleanups, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy engagement of EcoStewards, Student Conservation Association removal of invasive species and trail development, and Emerald Trail Corps for Phase 1 trail construction work in 2014 and 2015. In 2015 and 2016 SSSNA raised $15,000 from the Birmingham Foundation for trail connection to the Henry Kaufman Center, Sterling Street trail, and orienteering with the Brashear Association youth programs in South Side Park. SSSNA

!42 coordinated the work of Landforce and Student Conservation Association and the associated ‘adopt a park’ agreements with the City of Pittsburgh for all trail work partnerships.

Landforce - Landforce (formerly Emerald Trail Corp) was hired by the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association in 2014 to address deteriorating and fragmented trails within South Side Park, and to increase the connectivity for community members to use the park for commuting. Landforce was able to rehabilitate overgrown and deteriorating trails and created new, sustainable trails which connected the north, south, and western parts of South Side Park. Working closely with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the Student Conservation

!43 Association, Landforce formed an alliance which was able to remove several illegal dumping sites, cleared away hundreds of invasive vines, and rerouted existing trails away from chronically wet and sensitive areas to more suitable terrain through labor and volunteer coordination.

Student Conservation Association - The Student Conservation Association has spent eight years building new trails, maintaining existing trails, installing erosion control structures, removing invasive species and cleaning up trash on the South Side Park trails. Student Conservation Association hires crews of high school aged students on the weekends in spring and throughout the week in the summer.

Trails Usage Dirt Bikers - Information on dirt bikers was passed on anonymously from Miriam of the Student Conservation Association. The community at-large is not aware that the top portion of South Side Park is a City of Pittsburgh park. Residents consider South Side Park an autonomous wilderness because it has been neglected for so long. Residents are not aware that dirt biking is illegal in City of Pittsburgh parks. An adult police officer of the City of Pittsburgh, when shown a map of South Side Park at the South Side Neighborhood Party, stated that as a youth and resident of Arlington, that was where he and his friends would ride their dirt bikes. Signage at the Henry Kaufman House/fields and the Fire House/fields is necessary, alongside a public outreach campaign with Arlington residents to articulate that South Side Park is a City of Pittsburgh park, and that dirt biking in City parks is illegal.

Brashear Association Youth Orienteering - The Brashear Association partnered with the Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club to host 20 youth in South Side Park for almost three hours on the trails, learning to use a compass, reading a topographic map, and working together to navigate through South Side Park. Team leaders felt that the new South Side Park signage will greatly benefit their programs, and that the lack of public restrooms and water filling stations in South Side Park is a huge hindrance for youth programming. The team leader from

!44 Brashear noted that the majority of individuals did not even know that South Side Park existed or its location.

Steel City Curb & Trail Society - Steel City Curb & Trail Society is a walking and hiking group that utilizes South Side Park for guided histories of the park, fitness, and tree identification with experienced trip leaders. “South Side Park has some decent trail loops. We like loops as much as possible. Different levels of difficulty are also a plus.” ~ Dave from Steel City Curb & Trail Society

Hash House Harriers - Hash House Harriers is an international group of non-competitive running social clubs. Large groups of runners use South Side Park trails during primarily evening hours to promote fitness among its membership, get rid of weekend hangovers, “acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it in beer,” and to persuade older members that they are not as old as they feel.

Arlington Amenities and Sports Fields Arlington residents - Residents in Arlington use South Side Park to walk to the South Side. They also use South Side Park for recreation with running groups, and for dog walking in the evenings. They love the seclusion that South Side Park offers. Many Arlington residents have attended the Solstice Parties on the Bandi Schaum Plateau.

Sports Field Use Pittsburgh Sports League - Pittsburgh Sports League uses the Arlington fields for kickball from September to November. They used to use Quarry Field, but the field was too swampy to utilize long term for flag football. They loved the location at Quarry Field, but the massive drainage issues were an impediment. Pittsburgh Sports League is always looking for locations for teams to play, and advocates for the expansion of sports fields in the Master Plan of South Side Park.

!45 South Side Athletic Association - The South Side Athletic Association uses the Arlington fields behind the Fire Station for boy’s baseball games for ages 7-12, and girls softball for ages 7-18. They use Devlin Field for boy’s baseball games for ages 13-16. Devlin Field is not technically large enough for the recommended outfield length for teenage baseball games, and South Side Athletic Association has been attempting to work with the City of Pittsburgh to create these field changes. They would love to use Devlin Field for their Super Colt Team, boys aged 17-18, if it was expanded.

Sports Monster - Sports Monster has hosted adult softball on the Arlington fields for over 10 years. Throughout the week their teams use the fields from 6-11pm daily, and all day Sunday,

!46 which perfectly compliments the Little League schedules of the South Side Athletic Association. Their teams are comprised of professional adults who have offered to clean the fields and do extra volunteer work to maintain the field quality.

Arlington Recreation Center and CitiParks - Plans for an updated Arlington Spray Park is underway. The closed pool was one of the busier in the summer, and was the only pool that served the Hilltop. Without the pool, many more children are on the streets in the summer time.

CitiParks uses the Arlington Recreation Center is used for t-ball. The Arlington K-8 uses the fields for soccer games. They avoid the playground because it is “a mess, and dangerous.” CitiParks likes the combination of playground and open space.

CitiParks notes that there are cultural boundaries between Mt. Oliver/Arlington and Warrington/Beltzhoover that discourage certain youth from using the facilities at South Side Park. There is a need to activate youth and to provide integration opportunities at recreation facilities for these communities.

CitiParks would like to see the basketball court re-vamped as a full sized court with bleachers. Currently there is nowhere to watch basketball games and it creates a chaotic scene along the fencing for attendees.

The South Side Athletic Association represents about 70% of the usage of the Arlington fields, which is a huge draw and brings children into the park. There are scheduling constraints for youth sports, as only one of the fields is sized for youth.

Quarry Field is currently a soccer sized field. CitiParks would prefer this field be used for soccer programming, and not football programming, as it is not sized properly for football. CitiParks advocates that Quarry Field should be adapted as a multi-purpose field, sharing programming time between sports.

!47 CitiParks would like to see the location of the burnt-down ice rink be redeveloped to include a multipurpose enclosed building, like the Green Tree Sports Plex. CitiParks believes that creating a revenue-generating facility in South Side Park is crucial to bolstering the long term redevelopment and maintenance of the whole park. CitiParks would like to see options for picketball tournaments, showcases for arts, culture and tournaments, deck hockey, flag football, banquet rooms, concessions, pubic restrooms, and pro-shops included in a revenue- generating facility within South Side Park.

CitiParks also notes that throughout South Side Park residents still collect water directly from the springs within the park for drinking water. They have recorded a 14-point buck that visits that park frequently, and that nightly there are 8-14 deer that sleep in the park. CitiParks advocates that the wildlife areas be conserved and that all changes to the trails areas be low maintenance developments.

Quarry Field Quarry Field is a youth-sized soccer and football field with bleachers and a parking lot that is located along 18th Street.

South Side Bears - The South Side Bears is a youth football team (the former Beltzhoover Bears) who use Quarry Field for practices and games from July to November. Athletes practice daily (Monday to Friday) after school. On Saturdays the games are held from 8:30 am to 6:30pm, and draw a crowd of up to 400 people. The Beltzhoover Bears include football practice, cheerleading, mentoring, and host up to 150 children per practice. They partner with Reading is Fundamental and the Children’s Museum to implement a student-athlete model that delivers 200 books per game to the children, who read the books on-site. A free summer camp is held for 125 students each year. The South Side Bears stopped using the football field in McKinley Park because of the car traffic, unsafe crowd control, and the potential of crashes and hillside landslides. South Side Bears draw children from Mt. Washington, Garfield, the West

!48 End, and Beltzhoover. Coaches include teachers from South Hills Middle School and Arlington K-8. The South Side Bears are supported by the Birmingham Foundation.

Pittsburgh Rugby Club - The Pittsburgh Rugby Club has been interested in using Quarry Field as the “home field” for rugby in Pittsburgh for years. At times they have been granted permits for using of this field, but have no current permits for the location. Although Quarry Field is not a legal-sized Rugby field, the Pittsburgh Rugby Club is willing to invest funds to have the light poles moved. Their club has 100 playing member from ages 20 to 50, which are 60% South Side Flats and South Side Slopes residents. The Ruger’s Pub is their default “club house” in the

!49 South Side Flats. They currently practice in Manchester, but would like to consolidate all their practices and games within South Side Park, to anchor their club into the neighborhood. They acknowledge that Quarry Field has maintenance issues that include swamped fields, the lack of cleaning of concrete swales, and trash. They have made note that current users of the field leave it covered in trash and have had issues with the key-access to the field, even when they have permitted access. The Pittsburgh Rugby Club would like to participate in the Master Plan for South Side Park, and advocate for the addition of new sports fields that are legal sized rugby fields. If the City of Pittsburgh were willing to partner with the Pittsburgh Rugby Club, the club would be willing to help fund and maintain a rugby field in South Side Park in exchange for nearly exclusive permitted use of the space for the expansion of rugby clubs in Pittsburgh, for which they have documented the demand, but have no facilities to facilitate additional programming.

Pittsburgh Ultimate - Pittsburgh Ultimate is a past user of Quarry Field that has not been granted a permit for the field in 2016. They were told by the permits department that there are long term permit agreements with other parties that make it impossible for them to gain access with permits. The Pittsburgh Ultimate teams are only willing to use Quarry Field for its adult programming due to the lack of public restrooms in the vicinity for their youth teams. They would be interested in participating in the Master Plan of South Side Park, and advocate for the expansion of sports fields that Pittsburgh Ultimate can use (with bathrooms for youth programming).

CitiParks and Quarry Field - CitiParks cited issues with the former Belthzoover Bears when they were located in McKinley Park that included nefarious activities, locking CitiParks staff out of buildings, and charging the public to get access to a public space for games, which is illegal. They have alerted the City of Pittsburgh of this history so they can continue monitoring these issues within Quarry Field.

!50 The public and Quarry Field - Members of other community groups have cited issues with the South Side Bears, including the inability to access Quarry Field when a member of the pubic has a permit to utilize the field for a planned event, and being locked out of the buildings on site that are supposed to open to the public during permitted events.

!51 Perceptions and Attitudes of Park Users How do visitors feel about the park?

Most Important Park Amenities

South Side Park users are concerned with different park amenities. However, responses trend that environmental concerns rank higher than physical amenity needs, according to the survey. Interviews with individual sports team using fields showcase the need for specific improvements and expansions of the sports-specific location amenities.

The following amenities were identified as the most important amenities in South Side Park to the public: trails, healthy park flora, open space, wildlife and city views. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more concerned than the overall results with trails and park information. Residents outside of the Hilltop are more concerned with car parking.

Next Most Important Park Amenities The public has also expressed the importance of the following park amenities: wildlife (47% overall), the lack of public restrooms (40% overall), preservation of open space (39% overall), and bench seating throughout the park (35% overall).

Park Amenities All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Car Parking 27% 24% 20%

Bike Parking 15% 17% 16%

Restroom 40% 38% 40%

Trails 61% 63% 65%

City Views 50% 48% 47%

Bench Seating 35% 35% 39%

Wildlife 47% 46% 46%

!52 Park Amenities All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Healthy Flora 58% 61% 60%

Park Information 20% 21% 26%

Accesibility 25% 26% 27%

Open Space 39% 37% 38%

Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are most concerned with trails and open space, and least concerned with park information and bike parking. Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are more concerned with car parking and preservation of open space than other resident categories. Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh are less concerned with benches and seating, healthy flora, and park information than other resident categories.

City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding Hilltop) are most concerned with open space, trails, wildlife, and healthy flora, and least concerned with bike parking. City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding Hilltop) are more concerned with bike parking and open space than other resident categories. They are less concerned with benches, seating and park information.

Residents of the Hilltop and South Side Flats are the largest user group of all park amenities. Residents of the Hilltop and South Side Flats are most concerned with trails, wildlife and healthy flora, and least concerned with bike parking and car parking. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more concerned with benches, seating and park information than other resident categories. They are less concerned with car parking, bike parking and open space.

!53 Issues and Concerns with South Side Park - General

The public has expressed concerns and issues about multiple parts of South Side Park. The greatest issues and concerns identified by the overall respondents include: littering, lack of park maintenance, dumping, vandalism, lack of public restrooms, stormwater, and dumping.

Overall, the Hilltop and South Side Flats communities expressed a greater number of concerns with the park, and rated issues and concerns of greater important than the overall results. The primary concerns expressed include: littering, vandalism, lack of park maintenance, and dumping. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents also expressed substantial concern with the following: stormwater drainage, invasive species, and maintenance of foliage. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents rated parking and accessibility as a low priorities, and stormwater, vandalism and lighting as high priorities.

Hilltop and South Side Flats residents expressed a greater level of concern with the following issues than the overall results: loitering, lack of public restrooms, aging infrastructure, dirt bikes destroying trails, lack of seating, and not enough play options. Residents of the local neighborhoods are significantly less likely to say that there are no issues with South Side Park (5% neighborhood versus 12% overall).

Issue or Concern All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Vandalism 31% 35% 46%

Aging Infrastructure 22% 22% 29%

Lack of Public 30% 32% 37% Restrooms

Parking 12% 13% 15%

Maintenance of Foliage 25% 27% 26%

Stormwater Drainage 27% 28% 31%

!54 Issue or Concern All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Loitering 25% 29% 38%

Littering 49% 53% 62%

Lack of Maintenance 35% 39% 44%

Lack of Seating 16% 17% 22%

Lighting 15% 16% 20%

Not Enough Play 10% 12% 16% Options Accesibility 7% 5% 6%

Dumping 33% 36% 41%

Dirt Bikes 18% 23% 26%

Hunting 15% 18% 20%

Invasive Species 25% 28% 29%

Signage 15% 17% 19%

No Issues! 12% 10% 5%

Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh rated dirt bikes and signage as a low priority, and accessibility and loitering as their highest priorities. Residents of the City of Pittsburgh (excluding Hilltop) rated parking and foliage as a low priority, and stormwater and park signage as high priorities.

One answer, “No Issues, South Side Park is Great!” produced a trend different from all other answers. Of those who chose this question, nearly 43% are City of Pittsburgh (excluding Hilltop) residents, 29% are residents of the Hilltop, and 29% are residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh.

!55 Issue or Concern Residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh Hilltop and South Side City of Pittsburgh residents (excluding the flats residents Hilltop)

Vandalism 6% 17% 77%

Aging Infrastructure 8% 19% 73%

Lack of Public 8% 24% 69% Bathrooms Parking 5% 7% 52%

Maintenance of Foliage 9% 6% 84%

Stormwater Drainage 2% 33% 65%

Loittering 10% 17% 74%

Littering 9% 28% 63%

Lack of Maintenance 8% 25% 67%

Lack of Seating 7% 29% 64%

Lighting 4% 20% 76%

Not Enough of Play 5% 21% 74% Options

Accesibility 14% 29% 57%

Dumping 6% 29% 65%

Dirt Bikes 0% 27% 73%

Hunting 4% 32% 64%

Invasive Species 6% 31% 64%

Signage 0% 33% 67%

No problems, South 29% 43% 29% Side Park is great!

!56 Quality Ratings - South Side Park Amenities The following section represents quality ratings of specific amenities with South Side Park, as represented in the South Side Park User Survey. Ratings are listed from the worst quality to the best quality, as rated by the public, grouped by the two ratings categories that represent the greatest combined responses (statistical mean).

Poor and Fair Ratings - Public Opinion Amenities in this group were rated as the worst quality and/or the greatest problems for the public that utilize South Side Park - Poor and Fair ratings.

Bathrooms - Over 80% of the public surveyed rated bathrooms and bathroom access as the worst quality amenity in South Side Park. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents rated the lack of bathrooms worse than the general public (92.4% of Hilltop residents thought the quality and availability of public restrooms was Poor-Fair). Almost 73% of Hilltop residents rated the quality and availability of bathrooms as Poor. The lack of public restrooms should be a prioritized improvement at areas of high use throughout South Side Park.

Bathrooms All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 58.3% 65.2% 72.7%

Fair 22.5% 19.6% 19.7%

Good 10% 8.7%

Excellent 9.2% 6.5%

ADA Access - Over 78% of the public surveyed rated the ADA access of South Side Park as Fair-Poor. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents rated the limited ADA access as slightly worse than the general public (82.6% of Hilltop residents thought the quality of ADA access was Poor-Fair). Almost 53% of Hilltop residents rated the quality of ADA access as Poor.

!57 ADA Access All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 45.3% 48.3% 52.4%

Fair 33.3% 30.3% 30.2%

Good 13.7% 14.6% 12.7%

Excellent 7.7% 6.7% 4.7%

Shelters - Over 76% of the public surveyed rated the quality and availability of shelters in South Side Park as Poor-Fair. A greater percentage of Hilltop and South Side Flats residents rated the quality and availability of shelters as Poor-Fair than the overall results (85.7% of Hilltop residents rated as Poor-Fair, 8.9% more than the overall results). Almost 59% of Hilltop residents rated the quality and availability of shelters as Poor.

Shelters All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 46.6% 49.4% 58.7%

Fair 30.2% 28.1% 27%

Good 14.7% 15.7% 7.9%

Excellent 8.6% 6.7% 6.3%

Park Information - Over 72% of the public surveyed rated the quality and availability of park information as Poor-Fair. A greater percentage of Hilltop and South Side Flats residents rated the quality and availability of park information as Poor-Fair than the overall results (79.4% of Hilltop residents rated as Poor-Fair, 6.8% more than the overall results). Almost 46% of Hilltop residents rated the quality and availability of park information as Poor.

Park Information All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 37.9% 41.5% 45.6%

!58 Park Information All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Fair 34.7% 33% 33.8%

Good 18.5% 19.1% 16.2%

Excellent 8.9% 6.4% 4.4%

Benches - Over 68% of the public surveyed rated the quality and availability of benches in South Side Park as Poor-Fair. A greater percentage of Hilltop and South Side Flats residents rated the quality and availability of benches as Poor-Fair than the overall results (74.3% of Hilltop residents rated as Poor-Fair, 5.6% more than the overall results). Almost 46% of Hilltop residents rated the quality and availability of benches as Poor.

Benches All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 40.7% 44% 45.5%

Fair 28% 24.2% 28.8%

Good 21.2% 23.1% 16.7%

Excellent 10.2% 8.8% 9.1%

Fair and Good Ratings - Public Opinion Amenities in this group were rated as medium quality and/or somewhat problematic for the public that utilize South Side Park - Fair and Good ratings.

Arlington Playground - Over 82% of the public surveyed rated the quality of the Arlington Playground as Fair-Good. Hilltop and South Side flats residents are more likely to rate the quality of the Arlington Playground as Poor (3.6% greater than overall) or Fair (3.3% greater than overall).

!59 Arlington Playground All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 8.9% 10.4% 12.5%

Fair 48.5% 45.5% 51.8%

Good 33.7% 36.4% 32.1%

Excellent 8.9% 7.8% 3.6%

Cleanliness of South Side Park - Over 77% of the public surveyed rated the quality of cleanliness of South Side Park as Fair-Good. A greater percentage of Hilltop residents rated the cleanliness of South Side Park as Fair-Good than the overall results (85.7% of Hilltop residents rated as Fair-Good, 8% more rated the cleanliness of South Side Park as Fair, not Good).

Cleanliness of South Side Park All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 9.8% 10.1% 10.4%

Fair 43.4% 45% 50.6%

Good 34.3% 34.9% 35.1%

Excellent 12.6% 10.1% 3.9%

South Side Field (Arlington) - Over 76% of the public surveyed rated the quality of South Side Field (Arlington) as Fair-Good. Almost 42% of overall respondents rated Fair. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more likely to rate the quality of South Side Field as Poor (15% versus 9.3% overall).

South Side Field (Arlington) All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 9.3% 12.3% 15%

Fair 42.6% 37% 41.7%

Good 34.3% 37% 35%

Excellent 13.9% 13.6% 8.3%

!60

Quarry Field - Over 73% of the public surveyed rated the quality of Quarry Field as Fair- Good. Almost 43% of overall respondents rated Quarry Field as Fair. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more likely to rate the quality of Quarry Field as Poor (19.7% versus 13.5% overall).

Quarry Field All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 13.5% 15.7% 19.7%

Fair 43.2% 39.8% 45.9%

Good 30.6% 32.5% 27.9%

Excellent 12.6% 12% 6.6%

Car Access - Over 71% of the public surveyed rated the quality of car access as Fair- Good. More respondents rated the quality of car access as Good than Fair (43% overall versus 47.9% Hilltop residents).

Car Access All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 9.4% 9.1% 12.7%

Fair 28.1% 30.3% 22.5%

Good 43% 42.4% 47.9%

Excellent 19.5% 18.2% 16.9%

Maintenance of South Side Park - Over 71% of the public surveyed rated the quality of maintenance of South Side Park as Fair-Good. Hilltop and South Side flats residents are more likely to rate the quality of maintenance of South Side Park as Poor (15.6% versus 13.1% overall) and Fair (48.1% versus 37.2%), and less likely to rate the quality as Excellent (5.1% versus 17.2% overall) than the overall respondents.

!61 Maintenance of South Side Park All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 13.1% 12.6% 15.6%

Fair 37.2% 41.4% 48.1%

Good 32.4% 30.6% 31.2%

Excellent 17.2% 15.3% 5.1%

Safety and Security of South Side Park - Over 66% of the public surveyed rated the quality of safety and security of South Side Park as Fair-Good. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more likely to rate the quality of safety and security of South Side Park as Poor (18.4% versus 14.9% overall), and less likely to rate the quality of safety and security of South Side Park as Excellent (10.5% versus 18.4% overall).

Safety and Security of South Side Park All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 14.9% 15.7% 18.4%

Fair 31.9% 32.4% 38.2%

Good 34.8% 36.1% 32.9%

Excellent 18.4% 15.7% 10.5%

Trails - Almost 73% of the public surveyed rated the quality of trails in South Side Park as Fair-Good. Hilltop and South Side Flats were less likely to rate the quality of trails as Excellent (15.9% versus 23.7% overall).

Trails All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 3.4% 4.3% 4.7%

Fair 33.1% 31.9% 36.5%

Good 39.8% 41.8% 42.9%

!62 Trails All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Excellent 23.7% 22% 15.9%

Good and Excellent Ratings - Public Opinion Amenities in this group were rated as the highest quality in the opinion of the public that utilize South Side Park - Good and Excellent ratings. Amenities cited in this section are due to topography and location, and not physical park amenities.

City Views - Almost 85% of the public surveyed rated the quality of city views as Good- Excellent. Hilltop and South Side Flats residents are more likely to rate the quality of city views as Poor than overall results (10.5% versus 2.4% overall).

City Views All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 2.4% 2.1% 10.5%

Fair 12.9% 14.4% 19.1%

Good 37.9% 41.2% 39.7%

Excellent 46.8% 42.3% 39.7%

Bike Access - Over 62% of the public surveyed rated the quality of bike access in South Side Park as Good-Excellent.

Bike Access All City of Pittsburgh Hilltop + South Side Flats

Poor 10.4% 9.3% 9.9%

Fair 27.2% 27.8% 28.2%

Good 40% 41.2% 43.7%

Excellent 22.4% 21.6% 18.3%

!63 Public Comments and Themes of Feedback The South Side Park User Survey provided the opportunity for open feedback from the public, The public was asked to provide comments, ideas and/or remarks about what could be done to improve South Side Park.

Overall Park Improvement Themes from Public Input Primary themes emerged from the open public responses. This report advocates that these responses act as central themes for the future Master Plan of South Side Park.

• Wildlife Conservation and Preservation of • Designate Usage Areas within South Side Wild, Open Space Park • Neighborhood Connections • Lack of Park Programming - Signage and Gateway Signage • Lack of Basic Amenities at Primary Park • Implementation of a Part Time Park Amenities Ranger in South Side Park - Bathrooms • Marketing of South Side Park - Benches and Picnic Benches • Water as a Design Focus - Trash and Recycling receptacles - Potable water access

Location or Amenity Specific Improvements from Public Input

Neighborhood Connections Residents and park users advocate for the expansion of neighborhood connections to South Side Park through the trail system, 21st Street connection (bike lanes requested), and connections to Carson Street in the South Side Flats. The use of gateway signage to define the park’s edge, identify major amenities, act as a wayfinding guide, and provide directional connections to local business districts, including Mt. Oliver, Allentown, Mt. Washington, and South Side Flats, will allow residents to feel a sense of ownership and connection with South Side Park.

!64 Lack of Basic Amenities at Primary Park Amenities Park users, no matter which park amenity they use, all consistently cited a lack of bathrooms, trash and recycling receptacles, benches and picnic benches, and potable water access as major concerns. Families consistently cited that a lack of basic amenities was a strong reason they hesitated to bring their children to South Side Park.

This report advocates that all primary amenities in South Side Park (Quarry Field, Bandi Schaum Community Garden, Arlington ball fields) have a minimal number of basic amenities in keeping with standards for Community Parks. Key amenities needed are: bathrooms, trash and recycling containers, benches, and access to potable water. This report advocates that these basic amenities be included in capital budget requests in the City of Pittsburgh’s near-term capital budgets.

Installation Requests by Amenity

Park Amenity Potable Water Bathroom Bench Trash + Recycling

Quarry Field 1 1 2 3

Arlington ball 2 2 4 4 fields (2) Bandi Schaum 1 1 2 2 Community Garden

Specific Basic Amenity Issues cited by the Public

Issues Public Responses Location Suggestions

Rubbish + Recycling 10

Signage + Dumpsters 1

Litter Removal 5

Benches 14 Along trail view points, Quarry Field, ball fields, Bandi Schaum Community Garden

!65 Issues Public Responses Location Suggestions

Picnic Table 2 Quarry Field, Bandi Schaum Community Garden

Bathrooms 9 Requested at every single amenity, 24 hour access

Water Fountains 3 Requested at every single amenity

Lighting Lighting of various types were requested by the public. Many park users cited the lack of lighting in South Side Park as a reason they felt unsafe in the park. It was requested that no lighting be installed that destroys city views, which are highly prized by park users.

Multiple lighting types were requested - nighttime lighting, overhead lighting in major areas (parking and sports fields), low lighting for pathways, foot path lighting for the paved loop, and solar lighting installations. However, many park users requested that absolutely no lighting be added to the Bandi Schaum Plateau.

Overall Park Issues, Department of Public Works or the City of Pittsburgh Police The pubic cited a general lack of maintenance on every amenity within South Side Park. Many residents call the park “forgotten.” Increased attention from the Department of Public Works is needed on all amenities throughout the park.

This report advocates the hiring of a part-time Park Ranger for South Side Park to improve safety and security, manage the removal of the regular homeless encampments, and to deter illegal dumping, illegal dirt bikers which destroy the trail system, and illegal and dangerous bow hunting within South Side Park.

Signage in and around South Side Park Users of South Side Park advocated for the expansion and installation of signage in South Side Park. Most requested are trail markers and gateway signage. Park users also

!66 requested park information, historical information and signage, and distribution of park maps. Users advocate for an expansion of gateway signage to increase neighborhood connectivity and increase public use of South Side Park. Signage is needed at the Arlington end of South Side Park, specifically detailing that dirt biking is illegal in the City of Pittsburgh, and prohibited within South Side Park.

Mission Street Improvements Users of South Side Park noted that Mission Street and 18th Street traffic is fast and creates hazards for bike riders and walking commuters accessing South Side Park. Residents have requested that traffic calming installations be placed on Mission Street prior to the bridge that connects to 18th Street. The intersection of Mission Street and 18th Street was identified as a primary location for gateway signage, and the parking lot on Mission Street was identified as needing basic park identification signage, as well as signage that points to the Bandi Schaum Community Garden, Bandi Schaum Plateau, and the entrance to the trail system from Mission Street.

Quarry Field Improvements Specific suggestions for improvements at Quarry Field were provided by users of this amenity. The South Side Bears have requested a new football field, which currently often floods, an improved score board, and the repainting of the field house. The South Side Bears also requested that seating improvements being installed, since seating is insufficient for the 500 people the amenity draws weekly. Regular issues include a lack of maintenance and communication with the Department of Public Works. Parents also identified that the lack of potable water and restrooms was extremely concerning.

Wildlife Conservation, Open Space Preservation and Trails Users of South Side Park are extremely concerned with wildlife conservation, natural beauty, native landscape, and a desire to leave large portions of South Side Park as undeveloped, public, open space, wild park lands. In particular, two user groups have strong opinions about the restoration and preservation of wild portions of the top half of South Side

!67 Park - Bandi Schaum Plateau users and advocates of the trails network. Both groups express a strong desire for the woodlands of South Side Park to be restored and remain wild. Advocates of the Bandi Schaum Plateau want no changes, no lighting, and no structures installed in this portion of South Side Park. Advocates of the Bandi Schaum Plateau consider the Plateau site a sacred outdoor church, and advocate for this location to remain wild. Some Plateau users have requested safety signage near the cliff’s edge, which is a 100 foot drop down to the Bandi Schaum Garden. Fifteen years ago, an individual fell off this cliff and died when police surprised park users after dark on the Plateau.

The public requested increased trails maintenance and expanding trails that connect to neighborhoods. Trails advocates have suggested that programming be layered into the trails network, including wildlife information, tree identification, signage to identify scenic vistas, and natural log seating along trails (not formal benches).

New Amenity Suggestions Multiple new amenities were suggested by the public envisioning an improved South Side Park.

• Pittsburgh’s Adventure Park: • Park Programs: - Climbing - Stage for Outdoor Events - Zip Lines - Performances - Mountain Bike Jumps - Music - Local youth programming • Sports Amenities: - Deck Hockey • Additional Amenity Suggestions: - Ice Rink - Dog Park on 21st Street end of park - Putt Putt - Paved Trail for Rollerblading - Tennis - Sacred Stone Circle Installation for ceremonies, near Bandi Schaum Community Garden

!68 METHODOLOGY

The Report on the Public Use of South Side Park was produced through a collaboration of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association, Friends of South Side Park (FOSSP), and the Hilltop Alliance, and was funded by the Birmingham Foundation. Friends of South Side Park was established in December 2015. After initial internal meetings from December 2015 through March 2016, public community meetings began in May 2016. From January to May 2016, interviews were conducted with primary user groups of South Side Park. These interviews determined the initial invites for the first FOSSP meeting in May 2016.

In July 2016, FOSSP members collaboratively created and published the South Side Park User Survey, a community driven survey that looked to understand the usage patterns and populations that utilize South Side Park. The South Side Park User Survey was hosted on the CivicViz.com survey platform, which allowed geolocation of survey answers. The South Side Park Survey was circulated for nearly three months, opening on July 5, 2016 and closing on October 4, 2016. There were 166 respondents.

Total Data Points Online Survey Response Paper Survey/ In Person

166 102 64

The South Side Park User Survey was distributed by the diverse set of FOSSP member organizations, both online and in person at local events. The South Side Park User Survey was circulated via social media outlets, organizational newsletters, and community events.

Additional data consulted for this report included former studies of South Side Park, interviews of primary user groups, preliminary micro-surveys, partner planning meetings (PWSA, City of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Landforce, Student Conservation Association, etc.), park walkabouts, volunteer days,

!69 community outreach events, and the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Survey results regarding South Side Park.

Interview Individual Representing Area of Interested (in Organization South Side Park) May 2016 Jamie Balser GTECH Reclaim South, All South Side Slopes Neighborhood Assoiation

April 2016 Thomas Guetner Landforce Trails

April 2016 Rick Southers Student Conservation Trails Association

April 2016 Dave Steel City Curb & Trail Trails Society

April 2016 Ruth Hash House Harriers Trails

January 2016 Laura Officer, Brian South Side Slopes All Oswald, Brad Palmisiano Neighborhood Association

February 2016 Joey Schuler, Isaac 4th River Music Collective Bandi Schaum Plateau Alexander Hill, James Bristol, Amanda Pagniello, Faith Hersey

March 2016 Sarah Alessio Shea & Bill Bandi Schaum Bandi Schaum Palowitch Community Garden Community Garden

June 2016 Victoria Kerestes Fire Arts Performers Bandi Schaum Plateau

April 2016 Ryan King Pittsburgh Rugby Club Quarry Field

April 2016 Von Madden South Side Bears Quarry Field

April 2016 Christie Lawry Pittsburgh Ultimate Quarry Field

May 2016 Joe Foreman Department of Public Quarry Field, All Works

April 2016 Michelle Aul CitiParks Arlington Fields, Arlington playground, Quarry Field

April 2016 Greg Pittsburgh Sports South Side Field (Arlington)

!70 Interview Individual Representing Area of Interested (in Organization South Side Park) April 2016 Amy + Mike Daffern South Side Athletic South Side Field Association (Arlington)

April 2016 Bart Fitzgerald Sports Monster South Side Field (Arlington)

May 2016 anonymous Dirt Biker Trails

May 2016 Danyelle Hooks Brashear Association Orienteering, Children’s programming

Social Media Organization Date Reach/ Shares/Retweets Outlet Impressions Facebook Hilltop Alliance 9/1/16 1,171 0

Facebook Hilltop Alliance 8/9/16 1,078 8

Facebook Hilltop Alliance 7/5/16 2,457 11

Facebook South Side Slopes 8/16/16 59 0 Neighborhood Association

Facebook South Side Slopes 7/6/16 112 0 Neighborhood Association

Facebook Pittsburgh Parks 8/9/16 Conservancy

Facebook Landforce 8/9/16 270 0

Twitter Landforce 8/9/16 69 0

Twitter Hilltop Alliance 7/5/16 1,022 3

Newsletter Organization Date Reach

July 2016 Hilltop Alliance 8/2/16 539/ 137 opens

!71 Newsletter Organization Date Reach

JulyAugust/September South Side Slopes 9/27, 9/19, 9/12, 8/26, 400 2016 e-blast Neighborhood Association 8/10, 7/22 September South Side Slopes 9/26-9/27 1760 Neighborhood Association

Bandi Schaum Community Garden

Community Event Date Interaction Types Location Survey Completion

Hilltop Community 5/21/16 Tabling + Preliminary Mt. Oliver 5 preliminary mini Day Survey + SignUp surveys

South Side 9/17/16 Tabling + South Side South Side Flats - 3 surveys completed Neighborhood Park Survey + 13th Street Party distribute park maps

Step Trek 10/1/16 Tabling + South Side Paved Loop in South 30+ surveys Park Survey + Side Park compelted distribute park maps

!72 APPENDICES Park User Interview Questions

- Your name and name of group/organization? - What part of South Side Park to do you use? - How do you use that part of South Side Park? - What would you like to see improved in South Side Park? - Are you interested in joining an advocacy body for South Side Park (Friends of South Side Park)? - Date of Interview - Primary Contact Method - Are you willing to share a User Survey with your group?

!73 Survey Questions SOUTH SIDE PARK USER SURVEY

The South Side Park User Survey looks to understand the usage patterns and populations that utilize South Side Park. Whether you walk trails, participate in sports, garden, or love the wildness of South Side Park, we hope you will tell us what you love, and what you would like to see improved in South Side Park. Even if you have never heard of or used South Side Park, please tell us what would like to see in a neighborhood park. ______This information will only be utilized to plot survey answers on a map, and all names and addresses will be kept confidential.

What is your name? (First & Last)

* What is your address?

What is your email? ______PARK ACCESS AND USAGE ______

Are you (or your household) aware of South Side Park? Yes No

Have you (or your household) utilized South Side Park? Yes No

How do you (or your household) generally get to South Side Park? Please select ALL that apply. Walk/Run Bicycle Automobile Public Transportation

Which access point do you (or your household) generally use when you visit South Side Park? Please select ALL that apply. Bandi Schaum/Mission Street

!74 Sterling Street Steps Salisbury Street Firehouse Ballfield Quarry Field 21st Street 18th Street/Mission Street Stairs

If you drive to South Side Park, where do you (or your household) park?

How far do you (or your household) travel to get to South Side Park?

How often do you (or your household) use South Side Park? Every day Once per week A few times a week Once per month A few times per month A few times per year Less than a few times a year Don't know

What time of day do you (or your household) use South Side Park? Please select ALL that apply. Mornings (6am - 12pm) Afternoons (12pm - 5pm) Evenings (5pm - 9pm) Overnight (9pm - 6am)

What time of year do you (or your household) use South Side Park? Please select ALL that apply. Spring Summer Fall Winter

How much time do you spend in South Side Park when you (or your household) visit? < 30 minutes 30 minutes to 1 hour 1 hour to 2 hours 2 hours + Varies by Visit

!75 ______PARK AMENITIES ______

Please indicate all the ways you (or your household) utilize South Side Park. Please select ALL that apply. Biking Running/Jogging Commuting Walking Pet Wildlife Observation Picnicking Community Gathering Space Utilize a Sports Field

Please select ALL amenities in South Side Park you (or your household) regularly use. Trails Bandi Schaum Plateau Bandi Schaum Community Garden Quarry Field South Side Park fields (near Salisbury Street) Playground

Choose the amenities that are most important to you (or your household). Please select ALL that apply. Car Parking Bike Parking Restrooms Trails City Views Benches/Seating Wildlife Healthy Flora (trees, plants, flowers, etc.) Park Information Accessibility Open Space

What issues or concerns do you (or your household) have with South Side Park? Please select ALL that apply.

!76 Vandalism Aging Infrastructure Lack of Public Bathrooms Parking Maintenance of foliage Storm Water drainage Loitering Littering Lack of Maintenance Lack of Seating Lighting Not enough play options Accessibility Dumping Dirt Bikes Hunting Invasive Species Signage No issues, South Side Park is great! ______PARK MAINTENANCE ______

In your opinion, the maintenance of South Side Park is .. Excellent Good Fair Poor

In your opinion, the safety and security of South Side Park is ... Excellent Good Fair Poor

In your opinion, the cleanliness of South Side Park is ... Excellent Good Fair Poor

!77 Please rate the quality of Car Accessibility in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Bike Accessibility in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Accessibility for individuals with disabilities and limited mobility in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Park Information and Maps in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Bathrooms in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Shelters in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Benches in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair

!78 Poor

Please rate the quality of Quarry Field in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of South Side Field in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Arlington Playground in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of City Views in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

Please rate the quality of Trails in South Side Park Excellent Good Fair Poor

What could be done to improve South Side Park?

Please tell us any other comments, ideas or remarks that have not been captured in this survey. All responses will be kept confidential, so please be as honest and thorough as possible! Thank you for your time! ______DEMOGRAPHICS ______

!79 Do you rent or own? Rent Own

How many people live in your household? 1-2 people 3-4 people 5+ people

Please select the age ranges in your household. Select ALL that apply. 0-6 7-14 15-17 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Please choose your gender identification. Male Female Transgender I do not want to identify

What best describes you (or your household's) race or ethnicity? Please select ALL that apply. Caucasian Black or African American American Indian Asian Native Hawaiian/Island Pacificer Hispanic or Latino Other

Thank you for taking the time to complete the South Side Park User Survey! Content and survey questions provided by Hilltop Alliance. Your answer will be kept confidential.

!80

PROJECT TEAM Sarah Baxendell, Hilltop Alliance

PROJECT ADVISORS Laura Officer, Chair of Friends of South Side Park Erin Tobin, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Aaron Sukenik, Hilltop Alliance

FRIENDS OF SOUTH SIDE PARK MEMBERSHIP 4th River Music Collective GTECH Bandi Schaum Trailhead Project Arlington residents Landforce Bandi Schaum Community Garden Monster Sports South Side Bears Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Brashear Association Pittsburgh Sports League

City of Pittsburgh South Side Slopes Neighborhood Arlington Recreation Center Association Hilltop Alliance South Side flats residents

COMMUNITY SUPPORT + VOLUNTEERS Julie Waren, Peaceburgh + Plateau communities

!81