Report: Allegheny Landing to Receive $1M Grant for Play-Based Improvements

The Buhl Foundation is providing a $1 million grant for play-based improvements at Allegheny Landing along the riverfront, according to a report by Next Pittsburgh. 

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The foundation, a grantmaking nonprofit, donated the funding to Riverlife - a nonprofit focused on redeveloping Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfront - on Oct. 1. The play-based improvement project still needs an additional $1 million in funding, the report said.

A spokeswoman for the landscape architecture firm dwg said the goal of the riverfront redesign was to create a space for Pittsburgh residents of all ages.

Currently, Allegheny Landing features two sculptures by Ned Smyth - “Piazza Lavoro” and “Mythic Source” - that were erected in the 1980s. 

According to the report, Riverlife and the project’s other partners aren’t likely to add traditional playground equipment - such as jungle gyms or swings - at Allegheny Landing. Instead, they are focused on “artful play.” This could include features that encourage someone’s imagination to create their play space. 

Designs for the site suggest the possibility of water-spray features and a wooden stage. Gavin White, Riverlife’s director told Next Pittsburgh that the project was about 50% funded. Its designs are approximately 60% complete.

The full story on the plans for Allegheny Landing can be found on Next Pittsburgh’s website.