Park It!

Just when you thought the winter would never be over, a ray of sun shines through and welcomes you to local outdoor spaces again.

Oakmont, Verona and Penn Hills are blessed with many wonderful outdoor areas, including some with views of the Allegheny River. It’s time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather as spring begins. Following are a few of the parks in the area, with each one offering something a little bit different. 

Oakmont has beautiful Riverside Park, with pavilions that can be rented from April 1 through Oct. 31, dawn to dusk. This is a great location for a family reunion or a birthday party, and the river views make it a special place.

But you don’t need to wait until you have a large family gathering to plan a visit! A walk along the river, with a few moments spent enjoying the view from benches on the path, can be a wonderful way to spend an hour or two. 

Dark Hollow Woods Park, located at 1499 Pennsylvania Ave., is another beautiful spot in Oakmont. This forest space is punctuated by a peaceful stream, Plum Creek, and although it’s easily walkable, it’s a little less manicured than other parks, with natural surroundings.

It’s considered family- and kid-friendly. If you’re looking for some place a little different, Dark Hollow Woods will not disappoint. 

Penn Hills Community Park is a nice mix of manicured ball fields but it also encompasses wild areas for exploration. It’s known for beautiful wildflowers that grow along Plum Creek. If you love color, you’ll enjoy the flora that blooms there almost year-round. 

Turner Friendship Park, located on Hunter Road in Penn Hills, offers a splash park, which is especially amenable to young visitors. The brightly colored water features are a safe way for toddlers to enjoy the water and cool off, without knowing how to swim—a great way to get children used to having fun around the water before introducing them to swim lessons. 

If you’ve been searching for a place to take your best furry friend, the Penn Hills Dog Park was made for the two of you. And you’ll likely connect with others who love their pets just as much.

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., March through December. Dogs can run off-leash at this park, with an opportunity to really get their exercise! There is no water source for your dog, however, so be sure to take water with you. 

Verona has the smallest population of the three boroughs, but it has no shortage of outdoor venues for spring and summer fun. Riverbank Park on Arch Street is a wonderful place for river watching. It’s a lovely way to spend time outdoors while watching boats serenely float by as the river just keeps on rolling along. 

Railroad Park is located near the municipal building and is quite scenic with a lovely gazebo. It’s the home of many borough events, but also a nice place to visit with a friend or on your own.

Cribbs Field is a large park with ball fields, basketball courts and pavilions. Besides sports, it also lends itself to a cultural event now and then, such as the New Renaissance Theatre for unrehearsed Shakespeare presentations. Watch the community calendar for outdoor events happening at the park. 

Finally, Creekside Park is another great choice if you enjoy being around the water while getting your daily steps. The trail winds along a tranquil creek, which seems to make the walk go faster. Or you can take a few turns around the .4-mile loop trail, which is a popular place to walk. 

There are many great places nearby to enjoy the outdoors and the warm weather. One of them is right for you.