NextPittsburgh: Aspinwall Riverfront Park continues expansion with new welcome center and event space

From NextPittsburgh, written by Brian Comey, June 12, 2017

The transformation of the former Aspinwall Marina into a marquee riverfront park continues with the opening of a new welcome center and event space.

“It’s a game changer for us,” says Susan Crookston, founder of Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The three-story building, formerly a boat storage area and marina shop, has been gutted. It now provides shelter from the heat and rain, indoor bathroom facilities and a place for community members to host events and celebrations. Just last week the pavilion hosted a graduation party and a birthday party, and two weddings are scheduled for later this summer.

“One of our goals is to be a community treasure,” says Crookston, “and it’s awesome to be part of some of the most important events of peoples’ lives.”

Aspinwall Riverfront Park opened in September 2015 after almost five years of work by the nonprofit organization of the same name, along with a slew of volunteers who continue to maintain the grounds and park amenities.

The park offers bike and walking paths, a playground, amphitheater, kayaking in the summer and ice skating in the winter. The marquee attraction (besides the river) is the whimsical tin man Playgroundsculpture and children’s slide designed by internationally-renowned artist and sculptor, Tom Otterness.

The ADA-accessible welcome center has allowed the park to broaden its appeal and expand its offerings to include classes in yoga, tai chi, Pure Barre and Kindermusik. Stage Right Pittsburgh is offering a pair of summer acting and theater classes for students that will culminate in a performance of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

The new structure also allows the park to generate revenue through rental fees. (The park is unaffiliated with the municipality and does not receive taxpayer dollars.)

And there’s still more work on the horizon: the nonprofit is actively fundraising for renovations including the installation of a fishing dock and replacing a parking lot with an expansive lawn area.

Fisher ARCHitecture served as project architect. R D Stewart was builder on the project and Loftus Engineering served as structural engineers.

“What’s special about Pittsburgh’s rivers is how much the usage has changed over time,” says Crookston. “I love seeing the architectural remnants of these beautiful bridges and structures that remain from our industrial past—it’s almost like art.”

Want to check out the park? Stop by during daylight hours or attend the annual River Rocks fundraiser on September 23—proceeds benefit the Aspinwall Riverfront Park 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.