Brighton Heights Healthy Active Living Center, Brighton Heights: 3515 McClure Avenue
Here’s a curious info nugget: Pittsburgh’s Parks & Recreation (a.k.a. CitiParks), the division that develops and maintains the 200+ parks, ballfields, and playgrounds around the city, is also responsible for 13 healthy active living centers for residents aged 60+.
HALs, as they’re known, are scattered throughout the city and are often smaller-sized buildings with a bit of outdoor space for picnic tables and benches. Activities are typically free and include yoga, group walks, book clubs, shopping trips, wellness checks, BINGO, movies, weekday lunch service, and more. There are also computers, exercise equipment, and staff who can help with housing, health insurance, home care, transportation, and financial assistance questions.
The Brighton Heights HAL is in a historical building on land that once held the Odd Fellows Home for Widows and Orphans. First appearing on maps in the 1930s, it is currently being remodeled to improve accessibility and functionality. Despite construction, programming is still offered Monday through Friday. Within the next year, there should be expanded opportunities for seniors and the community at large.
After learning about the services and activities offered at the HALs, all I can say is WOW. Not every municipality of Pittsburgh’s size provides such amenities, and so extensively. Having safe, engaging spaces for people to connect and socialize is vital for everyone, but especially so for a community’s elders. If you, or someone you know, has participated in programming at a HAL, let me know! I’d love to talk about the experience.
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