Hello everyone, Last year, I was able to allocate $300,000 for improvements to the Jack Stack Playground which includes new playground equipment, a new safety surface, a new ADA accessible pathway/ ramp, and new ADA parking spaces. The project management team is currently seeking feedback on various equipment options which can be found on the Engage Page: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/jack-stack. The survey is open until June 15 and I encourage you to provide feedback.
CitiParks Farmers Market kicked off another season in Allegheny Commons Park on May 29 and is scheduled to run every Friday through Nov. 20. The market is open from 3-7 p.m. and will continue to host a beer garden and musical entertainment on the last Friday of every month. All markets accept SNAP benefits, debit and credit cards through the Fresh Access program from Just Harvest, allowing shoppers to exchange funds for tokens that can be used to purchase their fresh produce and other items directly from vendors. For more information on the City’s farmers markets and to see a list of vendors at each location, visit pittsburghpa.gov/farmersmarkets, or email [email protected].
I’m happy to share that City Cuts, the City of Pittsburgh’s lawn cutting program, is back for another season. This program is targeted to our older neighbors, our veteran neighbors, and our neighbors with disabilities who do not have the means to cut their own grass. In 2026, this service will be provided twice a month weather permitting from summer through mid-fall.
Applicants must reside in the City of Pittsburgh limits, own the property or be responsible for the grass cutting of the property, lack means to cut their own lawns, and meet one or more of the following qualifications: be 62 years or older, be a veteran, have a disability that prohibits you from cutting grass, and/ or have an income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Service is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Interested residents can apply by calling 311 or online at pittsburghpa.gov/Resident-Services/Community-Programming/City-Cuts.
Now is the perfect time to think about becoming a lifeguard for the upcoming summer pool season! Lifeguards are hired to work at Citiparks Aquatic Facility locations June through Labor Day and applicants are offered Lifeguard Certification Training courses prior to the season as well as recertification for experienced lifeguards. Candidates must have a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification valid through Sept. 7, and additionally are required to submit criminal background clearances and pass a medical exam. To be eligible for employment, applicants must be City of Pittsburgh residents, must be 15 years old, and be willing to work at any of Citiparks Aquatics Facilities. For additional information, and to fill out an interest form, visit: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Pools/Citiparks-Lifeguard.
If you’re looking for fun, free entertainment this summer, head to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 6 through July 25, for the “Stars at Riverview” concert series. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park.” The full schedule of concerts can be found here: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Concerts/Stars-at-Riverview.
The full schedule for movies can be found here: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation- Events/Events/Dollar-Bank-Cinema- In-The-Park/Riverview-Park. There will also be a pop-up screening at Troy Hill Citizens Park on Aug. 3. Thank you to the Citiparks Office of Special Events for continuing to provide these free events for Northside residents.
Finally, I encourage you to take the URA’s Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) community feedback survey. The HOF is a local funding source of $10 million per year to support affordable housing needs in Pittsburgh. The Annual Allocation Plan outlines how the funds will be used. The goal of the survey is to acquire feedback directly from City of Pittsburgh residents, so that funding can be allocated toward programs that best fit the community’s needs. The survey results will be discussed at upcoming public HOF Advisory Board meetings and is one of the many considerations that go into the planning process. For more information about the Housing Opportunity Fund and to take the survey, please visit ura.org/pages/HOF.
If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at [email protected], 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 look forward to hearing from you!
