Cross and Strauss Park, Perry South: Intersection of Cross and Strauss Streets
Visiting Cross and Strauss Park and its surrounding area was surprisingly exciting. A big round of applause is in order for the Charles Street Valley community and the city departments involved with the redesign; the entire area is colorful, clean, and comfortable. The Perry South Greenway across from the park features a packed earth path that meanders up the hillside and offers informational displays about the neighborhood’s history, including old street maps and photos.
Harlan Street is closed to vehicles, and for the more adventurous, walking past the old brick and stone foundations of homes that once lined the street offers a peek into the past. With all the greenery dying back, the time is getting ripe for “off-road” archaeological adventures. This hillside has experienced landslides, so you’ll want to take care when reaching the section that features street railings dangling in mid-air. 🙂 Looking uphill, the mid-section of the Irwin Avenue city steps appears. The flight, which is 230 steps long, is closed due to poor conditions but still provides viewers with a commanding presence.
It’s also worth scrambling around the nearby hillside at Strauss and Metcalf. From 1889 to 1905, an incline ran from here to the W Burgess Street hilltop. Service ended after an accident on November 10, 1905, in which an empty passenger car broke loose, hurtled down the track, plowed through the waiting room below, and smashed into the front steps of a nearby house.
Surprisingly exciting, indeed!
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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.