Dunbar Park & Playground, Crafton Heights: 1232 Clairhaven Street
Suggested listening: Disorder, Joy Division
If there’s a common thread I’ve noticed in my journey through Pittsburgh’s parks and playgrounds, it’s that the recreation buildings are closed or underused.
These beautiful old structures were designed to be functional, offering restrooms, concession areas, maintenance storage, and public gathering spaces. Unsurprisingly, in Pittsburgh’s years of population decline and society’s explosion of leisure-time activities, these buildings fell into disrepair. And we all know that the more decrepit an area becomes, the less people want to be there.
But I’m a hopeful person. These buildings hold great potential and could be re-energized to serve their community’s needs. I’m not an expert in these things, but with a bit of investment, why couldn’t they be used for child care, food or personal necessities distribution, meeting spaces for local organizations, after-school tutoring, or activities that bring neighbors together IRL… it seems like a no-brainer, right?
Next door to Dunbar Park & Playground in Crafton Heights, the old Schaeffer School found new life as the home of Pittsburgh Spice & Seasonings, a long-established family business. An enticing aroma welcomes anyone passing by and reminds me how new life and purpose can return to empty and forgotten places.
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