Today, representatives from the Allegheny Commons Initiative, Councilwoman Darlene Harris, DPW Director Mike Gable, DPW Superintendent Tom Paulin and myself met in the park to discuss concerns related to maintenance in the park. It was a very productive meeting with action items for all parties.
Trucks Driving on Lawns
The crew has been told not to drive the trucks off of the paths in the park. If you see this happening, please take a picture of the truck and/or write down the PW# of the truck. Then submit a 311 request with the truck PW # included. This way DPW can track the truck/driver and address the issue directly with that DPW personnel.
Grass Cutting and Trees
PPC will be coordinating volunteer events to remove the weeds around trees so that we can mulch the trees. This will allow a protective space around the trees from the lawn mowers when the grass is being cut. DPW will be providing mulch. I will be recruiting volunteers for this. Please reach out to me if you are interested.
Trash
There are many smaller scale picnics/gatherings that take place in the park that create overflowing amounts of trash. DPW will be working more closely with the Park Rangers to help enforce the permitting requirements for the park (permits must be obtained for groups of 25 or more) and litter pick up following these gatherings and sport practices. Please continue to 311 when you see overflowing receptacles.
Lake Elizabeth
I am coordinating a volunteer event in the park scheduled for next Thursday May 11thwith a group of 30 to clean out the debris in the lake. The park foreman drained the lake for us this past weekend to allow for some time for the debris to dry up so it is easier to remove from the bottom of the lake. Following our event, DPW will power was the lake interior and refill for the season. Please contact me directly if you are interested in joining us that day. I will be in the park all day doing a variety of projects.
Playground Equipment
DPW is looking at removing the playground equipment near King school because it is deteriorating and could be a safety hazard for children. DPW is working with Councilwoman Harris/ACI/PPC and the school to relocate the playground elsewhere. The playground in West Park near the Iron Deer statue will have repairs done to it this year as well as be cleaned through a volunteer event in cooperation with DPW.
Lights
Please continue to submit 311 requests as you see the lights are out in the park. DPW is aware of the issue and working with the budget office, Councilwoman Harris/Councilman Lavelle to identify funding sources to fix the lighting issues in the park.
Dog Park
DPW will be aerating and re-seeding the dog park at some point this spring. We will spread the word via the Allegheny Commons and Allegheny Commons Dog Park Facebook pages.
Flag Pole
Forestry pruned the trees near the Maine Memorial. DPW is working to install a light near the flag pole and will then put flags up on the poles.
In an effort to support the work of the DPW, I will be organizing volunteer events to supplement their work in the park. Allegheny Commons is considered the front or back yard to many Northsiders. Please consider volunteering with the Parks Conservancy to help support the resources of DPW. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you all for your time and support of the park!
Erin Tobin
Community Outreach Coordinator
