Buhl Community Park, Allegheny Center: 7 Children’s Way
Buhl Community Park is a “park within a park” located inside the expansive Allegheny Commons, directly across from the Children’s Museum. It’s wild to look at a map from 1835 and see that this spot has been in continuous public use since the beginning of Allegheny City. Originally known as Diamond Square, it was also called Ober Park at the turn of the twentieth century and Allegheny Square Plaza during the renovation (some would say ruination) of Allegheny Commons in the 1960s. It’s not surprising that the park, during that time, was heavy on concrete and light on greenery. But it did have a sunken, circular fountain that undoubtedly tempted nearby city dwellers during the summer months.
The park’s current iteration sprang to life in 2012 and features Ned Kahn’s massive artwork of stainless steel poles that emit fog with water from an underground steam heating system. On days when the above-ground weather cooperates, an ethereal sphere hovers above the park’s surface. Low stone walls are surrounded by native plants and benches. There’s still plenty of concrete, but the colorful sidewalk chalk art by the Museum’s entrance provides a nice counterbalance.
Diamond Park is a place in the past, but today, this bit of land is still a diamond surrounded by a unique and storied setting.
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