By Ranger Stevie | Columnist

Hello friends and happy September from Allegheny Commons Park. It is Ranger Stevie here!

I know you don’t want to hear it, but it’s almost time to let those leaves drop. Not until I started being a Park Ranger did I realize nature has so much to teach us. I have always loved the outdoors, but I never really realized how much nature could help see life through a new perspective. For instance, seasons. Seasons don’t last forever but they happen. Some seasons of life are hard, some are beautiful, some are transformative and the same goes for life. We go through seasons continuously so if you are going through a hard time right now know that spring will be back once again but for now, it’s time to let go. As the trees let go of their leaves to hibernate for winter and focus on themselves this may be the time for you as well to let go and give yourself the attention you need to get ready for your next season.

As I get ready for the seasons to change, this will unfortunately be my last column until Spring of 2025 as I will be leaving on a military tour in October. With September being my last full month, I will be hosting a Tabling Tuesday near the dog park on Sept. 3 as well as a Park Cleanup on Sept. 22. The cleanup will meet at the deer statue and go from 9 to 11 a.m. in Allegheny Commons. Please email Ranger Stevie below to RSVP for the cleanup.

To wrap up, DPW and I are aware of the encampment at the Maine Memorial. As much as we would love to get this cleaned up, there are processes in place to clean up encampments. It is in the works, and we are waiting on the clear to get it cleaned up. Thank you for your patience while we go through the steps. As always, if anything concerns you in the park, please feel free to email or text my cell phone! I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Please RSVP for events to lauren.smith@pittsburghpa.gov