A ceremonial groundbreaking was held at Hartwood Acres as the next phase of work begins on the Sculpture Garden.
On-hand at the groundbreaking were Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald was joined by Parks Foundation Board Chair Chip Babst, Sculptor Dee Briggs, and Allegheny County Regional Asset Board Member Jackie Dixon.
“Since Allegheny County purchased Hartwood Acres in 1969, there have been ongoing investments in the park and development of its natural resources, including the addition of trails and an amphitheater, but none as large as this project,” said Fitzgerald. “The sculpture collection was added beginning in the mid-1980s and has since grown to include 13 pieces at an estimated value of $2.4 million. By placing the bulk of these pieces of art at center stage, the public has more opportunity to engage with this art than ever before. We are grateful to everyone that has been involved in the project, or supported it, and look forward to seeing even more people coming to Hartwood Acres once this work is complete.”
This phase of work includes a makeover of the grounds surrounding the mansion as well as adding new ADA-accessible sidewalks and renovating the parking lots.
The project will also see the planting of almost 300 trees, more than 100 shrubs and thousands of perennials.
“The Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres is by far the largest and most complicated project the Parks Foundation has undertaken in partnership with Allegheny County,” said Chip Babst, Board Chair of the Parks Foundation. “We are very grateful for the many private funders who have helped make the project possible so far.”
Funding for the project comes, in part, from a grant by the RADical ImPAact Grant program.
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