Councilman Wilson on city pool hours, the search for lifeguards, summer events in the Northside, and gun violence in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Photo: Office of Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone,

As we enter the summer and are able to enjoy some of the perks of pre-pandemic life, I wanted to use this column to highlight some happening summer events and activities taking place in District 1 this summer. I am excited to announce that the largest pool in my district, Sue Murray Pool in Allegheny Commons Park at 301 Cedar St., is open from 12 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. every weekday and 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on weekends. You can get more information about open pools and hours citywide here. The spray park in Troy Hill, at the Cowley Playground at 1200 Goettmann St., and the spray features at Marmaduke Playground in Brighton Heights and the Spring Hill Playground are open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For the locations of all the spray parks and features on the Northside and across the city, please click here.

Unfortunately, only eight pools are open citywide, one per Council District. I know that there has been a lot of concern in the Northside, especially Brighton Heights, about the pools we could not open this year. The City was unable to open more pools because we have not been able to hire enough lifeguards. I support all steps that the City is currently taking to increase the number of available lifeguards, including a bill moving through City Council right now to increase hourly pay for lifeguards so we can attract more applicants. If you are looking for a summer job and want to apply for a lifeguard position at a City pool, or know anyone who would be interested, please click here.

From yoga to park tours to an open mic night, check out the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s full schedule of events in Allegheny Commons this summer here. Follow @PghEventsOffice on Twitter or Facebook for more updates on City-run events like Cinema in the Park and community festivals. Be sure to take some time to enjoy the offerings of local businesses and meet new neighbors in the East Ohio Street business district. On the first Friday of each summer month this year, East Ohio Street will fill with Northside businesses, vendors, community groups, residents, and visitors for an evening of sidewalk shopping, live music, and a great beer garden. I had the pleasure of sponsoring a proclamation in City Council to honor and recognize First Freitag this summer. Also in Deutschtown this summer is the Hands Over Deutschtown Music Festival, which is headlined by a variety of artists and free for the whole family! The festival is a one-day event, taking place on July 17 in Allegheny Commons Park. Allegheny Commons Park is also hosting weekly Farmers Markets from 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday this summer. We hope to see you there!

On a more serious note, my office has been paying close attention to the issue of gun violence in the Northside. We are determined to respond swiftly and effectively to this problem across District 1. Gun violence has been on the rise in the City of Pittsburgh and across the country, but it requires community-driven solutions. Rep. Kinkead recently organized a virtual forum with the specific goal of starting a conversation with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders about steps we all can take to decrease gun violence on the Northside. I was honored to participate and share the work that our office has been doing and the roles that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, AHN’s Center for Urban Poverty & Homeless Outreach team, and Group Violence Intervention (GVI) are all playing to reduce gun violence. You can read more about the forum here.

As always, my office is here to answer your questions, help with any concerns, and listen to your ideas. Please do not hesitate to contact us via phone at 412-255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We look forward to hearing from you.

BOBBY WILSON  

COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 1