What is the total cost of the project?

$5 million. Now that we’ve bought the property, we need to improve it to create a public park. We expect this to cost several million dollars. Additional funds will be needed to endow the park and provide for its maintenance.

Where will you get the money?

We’re raising money from foundations, government sources, businesses and individuals.

What will the park be called?

No final decision has been made on the name of the park. This park is not for the exclusive, or even primary use of Aspinwall residents. We want it to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of where they live. We hope to find a major donor who will get the honor to decide what the park is ultimately called. Ideally, the name will reflect either the history of the riverfront in this area or honor the contribution of past or current citizens.

Where can I contribute?

You can donate to this project through Friends of the Riverfront www.friendsoftheriverfront.org, 33 Terminal Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or the Fox Chapel District Association www.foxchapeldistrictassociation.org, P.O. Box 111595, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Both organizations have dedicated accounts for this project.

How does the marina and other for-profit businesses fit into your plans?

The nonprofit park owner may rent portions of the property to compatible for-profit businesses. This rental income will then be used to maintain the park.

Why don’t your plans include soccer or baseball fields?

While we have a vision of what the park could ultimately look like, how it ultimately will be developed will depend on funding and the site’s limitations.  For safety and cost reasons now, we need to be very careful about the amount of vehicles that enter the park at any one time. The Norfolk Southern rail road runs right through the entrance to the property, and there is no rail road crossing gate over the tracks. If too many cars tried to enter or exit the property at the same time, a car could potentially be caught on the tracks and unable to move when a train was coming.

Where is the park located and how can I get there? (see map)

For now access to the property is still restricted and it should not be visited except by members of the marina. Contact us if you would like to walk through and see it.

How can I help?

Our primary focus right now is fundraising. To help, please email Susan Crookston at scrookston@comcast.net