Brookline Memorial Park, Brookline: 1400 Oakridge Street
Brookline Memorial Park is substantial. The park contains a large multi-purpose ballfield, two lighted baseball fields, a T-Ball field, an outdoor batting cage, a picnic pavilion, a children’s playground, an outdoor basketball court, and a DEK Hockey rink, along with plenty of open green space. The Rec Center houses an indoor basketball court, weight room, fitness center, and meeting space. *Phew* I feel like I worked out just writing everything down!
But something is missing from this official list that urban explorers and hillside scramblers will want to add to their bucket list: the Brookline Greenway “trails” that connect the park to Breining Street, the Jacob Street city steps (the longest in the City!), the South Busway, and the freight rail lines. Unlike the manicured fields of the park, the Greenway is generally left “au naturel,” but decades of foot travel have etched trails into the hillsides. While you might feel far removed from civilization, Brookline Boulevard and Saw Mill Run Boulevard are reasonably close by. If you’re looking for an adventure, this might satisfy! Just remember, plant life is actively sprouting, so use caution and consider taking a friend if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
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City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide explores the history of the steps and the neighborhoods in which they were built. It also includes 13 guided walks and 20+ locations worth visiting—all with detailed descriptions, directions, and resources for creating your own urban hiking adventure. All areas of Pittsburgh are represented: north, south, east, and west. The book is available through all online shops (including our publisher) and local and independent bookstores.