Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall hosts fall festival, showcases recreational development

Rainy weather could not dampen the spirits of the dozens of families at Allegheny RiverTrail Park’s fall festival in Aspinwall.

“We definitely wanted to experience some local community activities,” Alyson Frick of O’Hara said at the event Oct. 20.

“It’s been a little rainy today, but wanted to make sure we get out in the fall and have the kids experience the community.”

She was at the park with her husband, Justin, and their children Benjamin, 2, and 2-month-old Zachary. They enjoyed exploring the recreation site.

“It’s important for our children and the next generation to get themselves outside, stay active, stay physical; and it’s good for the environment to continue the growth of our community,” Frick said.

People made s’mores and listened to the delicate vocal stylings of Pittsburgh artist Alexis Thompson, known in musical circles as Ol Whitetail.

Treat Down the Street provided mini donuts. Other activities included a spooky bounce house, and face and pumpkin painting.

Aspinwall resident Jacob Giertin watched his daughter, Cora, 6, play a pumpkin game that included golf tees.

It was one of the many family-friendly activities in the park.

“We’re a part of the community,” Guertin said. “Seeing community members enjoying the events with the kids (is fun). There’s a lot to do for them. It’s something more than just watching a movie on a Friday night. … (The park) is a nice addition to the neighborhood.”

A horse-drawn trolley took attendees on a sneak peak of the park’s expansion.

The estimated $8 million project includes hillside slides, a recreational lawn, a wildlife viewing platform, food truck parking and other improvements.

The park’s multi-use trail will be extended 1.5 miles to 13th Street in Sharpsburg, and park officials hope it will eventually connect to a trail in Millvale.

“It’s coming along well,” said Tony Miga, director of park operations. “We’re excited to give people a sneak peak at the new space. We’re really excited for bringing that part of the park online. The trail is going to be open in the spring. We’re hoping to fully activate that part of the park by summer.

“The deck is finished. I don’t know that we’ve given it an official name yet. There’s a deck right along the river out there that’s quite large and is going to be a great space for concerts and all kinds of things.”

Fall festival attendees were greeted by a host of park volunteers, including Aspinwall residents Lizzy Kline and Suzanne Kingsley, at an informational booth a few feet away from the s’more crafting table.

“Despite the weather, lots of little kids and families from the neighborhood are here,” Kline said. “I think there’s lots of enthusiasm around this space. The park does a great job holding these events.”

Kingsley let park documents do most of her talking as she was recovering from vocal issues. She handed out information about Friends of The Front Yard, a neighborhood competition to raise money for Allegheny RiverTrail Park. The Front Yard is what park officials call the expansion.

Donations collected through Nov. 3 will be matched up to $25,000 buy The Buhl Foundation.

More information about the park, its projects and activities is available at alleghenyrivertrailpark.org.