The Value of Parks
When thinking about the many factors that go into the quality of an area, parks stand out. They serve as a mediator to the number of businesses and homes that can be piled into an area while offering a break from the city life. Without Central Park, New York City would trigger unmanageable claustrophobia for anyone.
Along with the great atmosphere that a park brings to an area there are also a plethora of economic benefits. Having a nice park in the area brings in more investment and increases the value of homes by 15% on average. Parks attract businesses as well, stimulating the area’s economy even more.
The Northside’s Allegheny Commons
Allegheny Commons in Northside is Pittsburgh’s oldest park- Since 1867, it has offered North Side residents a great place to relax by Lake Elizabeth or under its 100-year-old trees. It has lost some of its luster since then, but the city’s new plan will undoubtedly restore its reputation.
At the forefront of the park’s revitalization plan is a 50-foot-wide fountain to replace the original one which was filled in. With a 70-foot-tall vertical stream and 16 streams on the sides, it will be the new heart of Allegheny Commons. Beds of shrubs and flowers will surround the fountain, blending it naturally with the greenery all around it. Additionally, the plan includes touch-ups and replacements for things like benches.
Coming in at $2.5 million, the plan to revitalize the North Side’s park comes with an extra $750,000 for maintenance, according to Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. This will ensure that the park does not fall apart again, as many of Pittsburgh’s parks did in the past.
For Residents and Visitors Alike
While numerous homes and businesses will feel the impact of the renovation, The National Aviary within Allegheny Commons will as well. North Side residents already know and love the park, but with its new renovations, visitors from all over Pittsburgh will come to enjoy it. With more visitors at the bird sanctuary, they will have more funds to put towards improving their facility and to donate to their cause.
Keep an eye out for the coming project in Allegheny Commons- construction should be underway very soon. The park will be back to its original glory and all of North Side will be touched by the revitalization.
