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On August 19, the Friends of South Park met at Forbes Grove for their first “socially distant” meeting.

Andy Baechle, Allegheny County Parks Director, announced that the contract for restoration of the Cascades at Stone Manse has been awarded and construction began in September. They hope to finish construction by the end of the year (depending on weather) and plant in the Spring of 2021. He also told the Board that the $300,000 rehabilitation of the Clock Building is complete.

In addition to the Paul Riis Meadow, two additional meadows are planned for Lost Springs and the area between the Oliver Miller Homestead and Catfish Run. Baechle also announced that the Joyce Kilmer Circle on Corrigan Drive is scheduled to be redone.

Barbara Brewton from the Allegheny County Parks Foundation explained that the approximately $1.2 million Cascades Restoration (including the $10,000 contribution by the Friends of S. Park) was spearheaded by the Pittsburgh Penguin Foundation, the Parks Foundation and Allegheny County. She also wanted to recognize the Peaceable Kingdom Fund, part of the Pittsburgh Foundation, for their funding of a major tree planting in the park, the streamside planting along Corrigan Drive, and the fabulous Paul Riis Meadow located behind the Cascades. She explained that all of the Foundations fundraisers were cancelled due to Covid 19 and asked that if anyone wanted to contribute funds to any of their projects, they could do so on their website at www.acparksfoundation.org.

The Friends are working with the Parks Foundation to install informational signage in South Park and voted to purchase their first for installation at the Game Preserve to talk about the Buffalo that have lived in the Park since 1927. They also initiated the “Pond Patrol” to work to improve the ponds on Maple Springs Drive and at the Game Preserve on Buffalo Drive. For more information please see our website at www.southparkfriends.org.

The last two installations of flags at the Joyce Kilmer Circle on Corrigan drive will be for Labor Day and Veterans Day. Your $5 donation to the Friends of South Park will purchase a flag in memory of a loved one that will be installed in the circle four times each year.

The next Friends meeting will be held November 16 at 7:00 PM in the Home Economics Building located behind the County Police Barracks on Brownsville Road. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. Please join us then for updates on what’s happening in the park.

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