Aspinwall Riverfront Park gets a little more 'love-ly'
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Aspinwall Riverfront Park got a little more lovely.
Colorful, oversized letters that spell love were installed at the park entrance, near the playground’s imposing slide.
Two large painted wooden hearts were erected in the western section and near the off-leash dog park, so that visitors can take photos with their dogs and children, park founder and Executive Director Susan Crookston said.
“So many kids enjoy taking pictures for Instagram at the park,” she said. “In this challenging and contentious year, our world could use more love and beauty.”
The installation is the first in a series public art projects that will be featured at the site, just off Freeport Road.
The project is supported through the Dave and Beth Short Family Foundation.
Fox Chapel Area Tech Ed Teacher Joe Gass led the design of the seven-and-a-half-foot signs, with help from students Cullen Sunday, Jacob Zacharias, Raphe Pirzada, Jacob Patterson and Sophia Gass.
“The park is a wonderful merge point for all of the art, entertainment and activities of the Lower Valley community,” Joe Gass said.
Juniors Emily Hook and Elizabeth Crookston and sophomore Eleanor Fox joined in the fun by painting the letters in bold colors of yellow, blue and purple with a three-dimensional effect.
“I’m glad that I was able to help work on this project, and I hope seeing the sign will help brighten other people’s day,” Hook said.
Founded in 2011, Aspinwall Riverfront Park features a playground sculpture by renowned artist Tom Otterness, a sled riding hill, off-leash dog park, fishing dock with hanging swings, walking trails and native gardens.
“We’re excited to bring some more color into Pittsburgh’s gray winter and we look forward to seeing people’s pictures,” Crookston said.
To submit photos, email them to info@aspinwallriverfrontpark.org or send them to the park via Facebook or Instagram.
To volunteer for the next public art project, email info@aspinwallriverfrontpark.org.
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.