By Councilman Wilson
Hello everyone!
While we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, I’d like to share a few project updates taking place in the Northside.
Marmaduke Playground in Brighton Heights is currently in the design feedback phase and is looking for community input. All of the designs have an emphasis on inclusive and accessible play and include various types of ground features, climbing options, spinning, sensory stimulation, swings and an upgraded spray feature. Construction is tentatively planned for early 2026. The design survey can be found on the Engage Page here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/marmaduke-playground.
Starting Dec. 1, construction begins on the much-needed playground upgrades at Riverview Park. I’m happy to see this project begin after allocating $750,000 in the 2024 Capital Budget and the feedback from the community. Details on the project can be found on the Engage Page, engage.pittsburghpa.gov/riverview-pg.
Also on Dec. 1, construction along the westbound lane of North Avenue begins, which will activate a detour from Cedar Ave to Arch St., as that lane will be closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The detour will remain in place through Dec. 14, — two weeks total. The eastbound lane along the corridor will remain open. Northbound traffic will be maintained across North Ave during the westbound detour. Full detour details are posted on the Engage Page here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/north-avenue-signals-and-safety-project.
I’m happy to share that I was able to allocate $300,000 towards upgrades at Jack Stack playground. This area is long overdue for a safer, new space for the community, and I look forward to sharing more details in the future.
Currently, City Council is meeting twice daily to finalize the City of Pittsburgh’s budgetary allocations to essential services, personnel, and departments in the 2026 Capital and Operating Budgets. Council is considering about $2.4 million in proposals for capital projects within District 1. This is a significant decrease from past capital budgets, as we are entering a challenging financial situation within the City. I plan to submit a budget amendment that will allocate $250,000 toward the much-needed roof replacement at the concession and pool building at Jack Stack.
I encourage everyone to review both operating and capital budgets, found here: pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/Finance-Budget/Management-Budget/Budgets-and-Reports. The public hearing will be held on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m., and I encourage you to attend or to submit a public comment. You can call the Clerk’s Office at (412) 255-2138 to register to speak or email [email protected] to submit a written statement which is shared with Council. Council must pass a final balanced budget by Dec. 31.
I am committed to advocating for our community’s priorities as we move toward the final stages of the budget process. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns about the budget process.
If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at [email protected], or find us on Facebook and X, and sign up for our newsletter (pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council/Districts/Bobby-Wilson-District-1).
My staff and I wish all of you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to hearing from you in 2026!
