Schenley Park

One of the best things about Carnegie Mellon University’s location is its close proximity to Schenley Park. Throughout my four year of college I have spent countless hours in different sections of the park. I would be shocked if there was a CMU student who had not yet set foot in Schenley, but I still encourage everyone to spend more time in the park.

Flagstaff Hill is one of the most accessible locations from campus, right across from Hunt Library and Baker Hall. It is a fantastic place to read in between classes or just sit and enjoy a remarkable view of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. On the infrequent sunny days in Pittsburgh, Flagstaff is the perfect spot to sun bathe or take a nap. I am planning on lounging there this Carnival (if the weather warms up!) and during senior week. Citiparks presents free movies on Flagstaff throughout the summer months for free. CMU students can catch the last screening of the season during the first week of school. Flagstaff is also a perfect hill for sledding on the more typical snowy days. I wish I had gone this winter because the amount of snow we had would have been perfect!

In the beginning of the year, when it was still warm out, I spent a lot of time running through the park. The Panther Hollow Trails are a great course to run. I really enjoy running through the nature trails because it is more engaging then staying in one place on a treadmill. The Park Conservatory’s website outlines two walks through this woodland section of the park. The first is classified as “intermediate” and follows the Upper Panther Hollow Trail and the Bridle Trail. The Lower Panther Hollow Trail and the Steve Faloon Trail compose the “difficult” course. The Panther Hollow Trails are a great escape because the dense forestation and windy trails can make you easily forget that you are in a city. One of my favorite Pittsburgh places is here at the Panther Hollow Lake. It is a man made lake that was created in the 1880s as a recreational and picnic spot. Up until 1930 there was a boathouse where people could rent boats to take out on the lake. On sunny spring and summer days it is still a great spot for picnics and lounging. I can still remember discovering the lake for the first time my freshman year during midsemester break. I have continued to bring friends to this isolated and relaxing spot on nicer days to talk, read, and sunbathe on blankets.

Pittsburgh’s Director of Public Works, Edward Bigelow, designed Schenley Park. The park started with a 300-acre piece of land originally called Mt. Airy Tract. This land was the inheritance of Mary Schenley, who donated it in 1889 to the city with the caveat that the park be named after her. Bigelow had grand-scale plans for a park system that would be connected through bridges and boulevards. Over the years the park has expanded to 456 acres and new amenities have been introduced. This includes the Bob O’Connor golf course, ice skating rink, Oval Sportsplex, and public pool. Also the Park Café and Visitor Center, right across the street from Phipps Conservatory.

In addition to all of those great attributes, there is also Schenley Plaza, which is often forgotten as part of the park because it is geographically removed. It is in Oakland, settled in between the Carnegie and Hillman libraries and across from the Cathedral of Learning. It is an ideal green oasis for the Oakland community. There are four dining kiosks, café tables, and a tented area with free wi-fi. It is also the home to PNC Carousel, which is an adorable family attraction. Ever since 2011 a restaurant called the Porch has been open and serving delicious meals there. I have been for lunch a few times and really enjoyed their gourmet sandwiches and pizza which they serve on a metal tray. They also serve a handful of speciality sodas and drinks that are delicious! I hear they have a fantastic brunch and is an excellent venue for special events as well.

I truly believe that every CMU student should take the time out of his or her busy schedule to reenergize with a walk, run, meal or nap in Schenley Park. We should take advantage of being so close to such a diverting park!

How to Get to Schenley: Walk!