Allegheny County Parks Foundation

The Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Parks Foundation announces a search for the successor to Executive Director Caren Glotfelty: "It is with great appreciation for all that she has done in leading the Allegheny County Parks Foundation that we announce the retirement of our Executive Director, Caren Glotfelty, later this year. Since Caren joined the Allegheny County Parks Foundation in 2014, she has stewarded the organization with clear vision, inclusive collabora...tion, and unparalleled leadership, according to a statement by the Board of Directors. "Caren has led the Parks Foundation with her thoughtful, practical, organized, and strategic style that has guided us to new heights during her time as our Executive Director. We have benefited greatly from her extensive environmental, governmental, and development experience," said Chip Babst, Board Chair. "The Board of Directors is extremely grateful for Caren's commitment to the success of the ACPF and all that she has done for the greater community, most recently successfully leading us through the pandemic. During her tenure, all nine Allegheny County Parks have seen significant enhancements including ecological surveys and environmental upgrades, renovations of the Sculpture Garden at Hartwood Acres and historic features in South Park, trail improvements in several of the parks and the founding of the Suffragist Grove at Hartwood Acres, a project near and dear to Caren." It has been a great privilege and joy to work over the past seven years with Allegheny County Government and the dedicated board and staff of the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. The 12,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities in our county parks are a tremendous asset contributing to the health and vibrancy of our region. I have appreciated the leadership and commitment of Office of the Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to the improvement of the parks and the success of the Parks Foundation. I look forward to helping our board to find a new Executive Director to lead the Parks Foundation to the next level," Glotfelty said. The Board is in the early stages of identifying a successor and notes its appreciation for Glotfelty's commitment to working with the Board to ensure ACPF continues to prosper. It is accepting early letters of interest and referrals at [email protected]. "We look forward to seeing Caren enjoy the County Parks she has so passionately worked to preserve," it states.

As the charity partner for the the South Ridge Trail Challenge coming up this Saturday, October 23rd at North Park, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation is looking for some volunteers to help with the race (water stops, registration and medal distribution). If you're interested, please sign up using the link below. Questions? Contact Barbara Brewton at the Parks Foundation at [email protected]. Thanks so much! https://runsignup.com//AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge

Nothing says autumn like harvest time at Round Hill Park. Learn how the original owners of this working farm tended to it way back when. #ParksforPeople #PeopleforParks

Take advantage of this beautiful autumn by exploring North Park in the South Ridge Trail Challenge. This popular trail is a favorite of runners and walkers alike. There's a distance for everyone! When you sign up, you'll have a chance to make a donation to the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. We appreciate your support! https://runsignup.com//AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge

Whittling walking sticks in Westinghouse Park with North Country Trail Association at Outdoor Afro Pittsburgh today til 4pm. Discover the great outdoors with the Parks Foundation!

Join the Parks Foundation at Outdoor Afro Fall Festival Community Day TODAY! Visit us at Westinghouse Park on Thomas Blvd in Point Breeze from noon to 4pm. Perfect way to spend a beautiful day!

All the trails in the nine Allegheny County Parks are popping with color! Find one that suits you! https://acparksfoundation.org/trail-discovery-guide/

The Parks Foundation joins Outdoor Afro at it's Fall Festival Community Day event on Sunday from noon to 4pm in Westinghouse Park in Point Breeze. Come out and say hi!

Join our team! The Parks Foundation is hiring an ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER. The Allegheny County Parks Foundation strengthens the health and vibrancy of our community by improving, conserving and restoring the nine Allegheny County parks. Working in partnership with Allegheny County, the Parks Foundation brings together ideas, leadership and resources to make the parks more sustainable and enjoyable for all. ... For all the details, see below. https://jobs.nonprofittalent.com//allegheny-county-parks-/

If you haven't discovered the South Ridge Trail in Allegheny County Parks North Park yet, this could be your chance. There's some ups, some downs and beautiful views throughout on this wooded trail with features to please everyone. Take advantage of this opportunity to see North Park at its seasonal finest. The South Ridge Trail Challenge offers races from 5K-20K with virtual options too. Everyone who signs up has the option to make a contribution to the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, your partner in the parks. https://runsignup.com//AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge

Blake Orr of Plum dropped his brand new rod in Allegheny County Parks Deer Lakes for the very first time on this crisp autumn weekend. Using his sixth birthday present from grandpa Bruce Orr, they tried a few spots but the fish weren’t biting. Mom Mallory Orr saved the day with a plan to get breakfast, bringing a smile almost as big as Blake’s to sister Emma, 2. Discover Deer Lakes as the perfect family park, featuring paved trails for strollers and a great playground for all ages!

The conservation of time-worn sculptures requires expert handling. Just the job for our partners at McKay-Lodge Laboratory in Oberlin, Ohio. Read about the painstaking process they used for the Sculpture Park at Hartwood Acres. https://mckaylodge.com/lookin-good-as-shell-recoating-larg/

When you have a friend as special as Beck Abrams, you want to shout it from the tree tops! A big Thank You to Beck for creating a fundraiser to benefit the Allegheny County Parks Foundation to celebrate her birthday. She chose to honor the Allegheny County Parks because as a runner, she spends so much time in them. We're grateful to Beck and her amazing friends who participated with much generosity to help us do our best.... #parksforpeople #peopleforparks See more

A message from our Executive Director... To our friends and visitors, The Allegheny County Parks Foundation is concerned about the health and well-being of everyone who visits the parks for recreation and enjoyment throughout the year. As we all navigate the implications of COVID-19, Allegheny County’s nine parks remain open and offer a safe place to relax, breathe in fresh air and exercise. We urge all residents of Allegheny County and the surrounding counties who regularly ...enjoy their parks to follow safety guidelines recommended by the Allegheny County Health Department and to review them frequently for updates. They can be found through the link below. If your health permits you to visit the parks, please continue to enjoy them and the serenity the great outdoors can provide during uncertain times. Staff at the Parks Foundation continues working to improve, conserve and restore all nine parks during our region’s period of confinement so that whenever you do return, you’ll be reminded of all the reasons you keep coming back. Most sincerely, Caren Glotfelty Executive Director, Allegheny County Parks Foundation https://www.alleghenycounty.us//Resources/COVID-19/Stay-Up

We hope the Allegheny County Parks are as much a part of your life in 2021 as they were this year. Your support today helps build the foundation for projects that will impact all 9 county parks for generations to come. Please consider a donation before midnight. https://acparksfoundation.salsalabs.org/2020annu/index.html

Before the clock strikes 12! Please make a 100% tax-deductible donation to your Allegheny County Parks. Show your support for the 9 County Parks that were wide open all day, every day during this difficult year. It is your support that helps to improve, conserve and restore the parks as we move toward a better 2021. https://acparksfoundation.salsalabs.org/2020annu/index.html

The Indian Hill Meadow at Allegheny County Parks Boyce Park may look dormant in the winter but there's lots of activity beneath the surface. It's a perfect spot to hike and spot birds and small animals finding shelter and foraging for seeds. #ParksforPeople #PeopleforParks

Feeling cooped up? Check out our Trail Discovery Guide. 1) Pick a park. 2) Pick a trail. 3) Clear your head. #ParksforPeople #PeopleforParks... https://acparksfoundation.org/trail-discovery-guide/ See more

Wishing you the very best of the season from your friends at the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. #ParksforPeople #PeopleForParks