Now that the calendar has flipped to August the hopes of getting out and enjoying this year's remaining sunny, warm days takes on new urgency. Stop talking about wanting to maybe get to (insert destination here) and DO IT!
Remember how bored you were as you stared at the wall throughout 2020 trapped in your home? You are vaccinated. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully vaccinated people have less than a 0.004% chance of being hospitalized due to Covid and less than 0.001% of dying. Stop cloistering yourself again! Go outside. Get some fresh air.
The 'great outdoors' may only be a few blocks from your house!
I have stated many times on the KDKA Radio Morning Show that, besides our people, this region's biggest asset may be the system of parks that planners and the area's influential and wealthy gifted to its residents. Many cities or counties that I have visited are not able offer citizens such treasures. The system of Allegheny County Parks, as well as Pittsburgh's 4 historic large parks, are priceless. Each of the nine Allegheny County Parks offer visitors unique and exciting experiences and adventures. I strongly advise you to take advantage of their proximity and availability. Again: I've lived in places that do not have such easily accessible gems. Luckily, I grew up only 4 miles from one of the best.
Listeners to our show may be familiar with a friendly rivalry that host Larry Richert and I have regarding 'our' parks. Larry is a lifelong resident of the North Hills. I grew up and live in the South Hills. He frequents North Park. I prefer to bike, sled ride, walk, and breath in South Park. I guess we each really just love the familiarity they individually offer us. No matter what we say or how we jag each other the splendor of each and all of the endowments are equal.
In the 1920's, Allegheny County Commissioners tried to replicate what Mrs. Schenley, Mr. Frick, Edward Bigelow and others did begining in 1889 when the 'Mt. Airy tract' was secured in the city of Pittsburgh. As Allegheny county began to grow from farmland surrounding a city, Edward Babcock envisioned strategically placed 'country clubs for the people.' Places where the workers could stretch and play.
In 1927, Mr. Babcock purchased the property in McCandless now known as North Park and the land for South Park in the township that also bears its name.
North Park is 3,075 acres while South Park is 2,013. The website 'Historic Pittsburgh' indicates that Native Americans were hired and brought in from Browning, Montana to protect and manage the twin parks. Chief Eddie Big Beaver and his family of Blackfeet were stationed on Parish Hill along Walter road. Chief Wild Eagle went south.
This is where things get interesting. You may have heard Larry and I argue over the herd of buffalo living at the game preserve in South Park. Yes. Those buffalo belong in the SOUTH HILLS. Larry has been mounting a campaign to borrow, steal, or share the herd so he can enjoy them in North Park. It is NOT going to happen, folks.
The official farmer of the Allegheny County Parks system, Chris Roland, and the caretaker of the buffalo, Bob Kuzma, recently gave me and producer Rob Graner a tour and a history lesson. It was mind-blowingly amazing! I cannot thank them enough. The two men who have the most unique jobs in the county grew up in North Braddock and Munhall Gardens, far from any farming communities. But they absolutely love what they do….and so will you if you visit any and all of the 9 parks available to you.
Official farmer of the Allegheny County Parks system, Chris Roland, and the caretaker of the buffalo, Bob KuzmaKevin Battle
The buffalo arrived in 1927 as part of a conservation effort to keep them from extinction. Our herd actually has direct ties to late-President Teddy Roosevelt. Although he passed in 1919, the statesman and conservationist was an influential friend of the county commissioner who eventually brought the thundering herd to South Park.
Buffalo in South ParkKevin Battle
Now, the interesting part, and a key historic factor in Mr. Richert's case: North Park actually had a herd of bison when it was established. Until, unfortunately for Mr. Richert's case, they were slaughtered for food and clothing by Chief Big Beaver and his tribe during a brutal winter. The chief was fired and, likely, North Park forfeited any chance of ever hosting a herd again. EVER! How about a lake instead, North Parkers?
So, South Park's featured attraction are the buffalo at the game preserve just off Corrigan Drive near the Fairgrounds. There are currently 6 cows, a calf, and the appropriately named bull: Big Head. They are raised for conservation efforts not the dinner table. Their food is grown at Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township.
The buffalo are the reason that fireworks are prohibited in South Park. This rule was adjusted after an errant illumination ended up blasting into their pen years ago which started a small stampede.
Scratching post for the buffalo made from an old street sweeper brush from the Allegheny County Street Maintenance crewKevin Battle
As Mr. Roland indicated, each of the 9 parks have a distinct feature that makes for a unique visit. This idea behind this plan was to entice residents to travel throughout the county. South Park/buffalo. Got it. The crown-jewel of North Park is the beautiful 65-acre lake, home to several Bald Eagles.
Residents of the East Hills get to enjoy Boyce Park, which encompasses 1,096-acres of Plum and Monroeville. It was dedicated in 1963 and named after William D. Boyce - founder of the Boy Scouts of America - who was born in Plum. The featured attraction at Mr. Boyce's park is downhill skiing and tubing and the 'Four Seasons' lodge. This was the very first place I ever attempted to ski. I was about 14-years old.
The West Hills of Allegheny County is home to the 1,589-acre park named after a 1780-era log cabin to which it was home: Settler's Cabin Park. More development is planned for the future as the population grows around the park. For now, the featured attraction is the massive diving platform at the Wave Pool complex. The platform is one reason Settler's Cabin Wave Pool is the most visited of the three Wave Pools in the system. The others pools (no platforms) are at South Park and Boyce Park. And, yes. I have jumped off of it.
Round Hill Park is an 1,100-acre exhibition farm. Cows, chickens, pigs, sheep, retired county Horses….you name it. Like the other parks, it also has picnic shelters and athletic fields. My parents took us there many times to experience farm life. I highly recommend you do the same with your kids.
1,100-acre Deer Lakes Park in Fraser and West Deer townships is famous for fishing. There are three lakes to enjoy. There is also an observatory.
In the far north-east corner of Allegheny county sits 500-acres of streams, waterfalls, and woods. Dedicated in 1971, Harrison Hills Park offers a stunning overlook in which three counties can be seen. This magnificent-yet-little-seen view rivals the thrill from Mt. Washington, according to Mr. Roland.
Not far from McKeesport is the county's 810-acre White Oak Park. It was originally intended to be a 'saddle park' with a twin just across the border neighboring Westmoreland county but plans did not proceed. Angora Gardens is the must-see attraction.
Charming and scenic Hartwood Acres consists of 629-acres and a priceless Tudor mansion. Purchased by the county in 1969, The Hampton and Indiana township jewel oozes class and dignity. It's been featured in films and was once home to the county's 'Festival of Lights.' The estate often hosts large-scale concerts.
The nine parks of Allegheny county offer something for everyone spread across 12.000 acres! Hiking, biking, walking trails, pools, picnics, pavilions, a scenic drive, family time, and fun. However, the buffalo will stay in South Park! There is no fee to enter and enjoy although some features like the Wave Pools or bike or pavilion rentals will cost you. They are open year round for you to explore and make some memories with your loved ones. So, what are you waiting for?
Click HERE to listen to my conversation with the buffalo keepers on 'Breakfast With Battle'
Kevin Battle is Co-Host of the KDKA Radio Morning Show with Larry Richert. It airs M-F 5a-9a on Pittsburgh's 100.1FM & AM1020 KDKA or on the free Audacy app. Ask your smartspeaker to: 'Play KDKA.'
