It has been a few years since I last wrote about our wonderful parks, and much is happening to improve them.

A new parklet is planned for the Painters Run end of our public works yard along Cedar Boulevard. Soon, a terraced park will be created on the site of the excess dirt from the renovation of the public works facility. There will be parking spaces, and the park will be connected to the existing trails of Robb Hollow Park. The project is scalable so more amenities such as benches and/or a pavilion can be added to it. I hope this new space will increase awareness and access to this hidden passive park along Kelso Road.

We completed the renovation of the tennis courts at Meadowcroft Park. The fencing, lighting, nets and posts were upgraded. By residents’ request, lines have been added to make two pickleball courts. Players will need to bring their own nets with them. In addition, lines have been added to the tennis courts in Williamsburg Park for three pickleball courts.

We have upgraded many areas of Mt. Lebanon Park. New hoops and solar-powered lighting were added at the basketball courts. Before COVID, both of the ice rinks and their surrounding area in the Recreation Center were greatly improved. The restrooms at the Dixon, Middle and Seymour fields were recently renovated and are now more accessible.

We continue to battle invasive plant species in both Twin Hills and Bird parks. We have worked with the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy to identify and remove these plants and vines. Some of the plants look pretty, but they can create problems for the other growth in the woods. We could not have succeeded without the conservancy’s help. If you have time to help, they are always looking for more volunteers. Learn more at www.lebonature.com.

We are not done improving our green spaces. Commission set aside funds for a new parks master plan, which will be prepared this summer. We have been able to complete many of the suggested changes outlined in the 2004 plan, so it is time for a re-examination of our needs. We will be asking you for your input for this study.

There are now more reasons to be outside in Mt. Lebanon this summer. As you enjoy the warm weather, please visit our parks and see all the changes.