Heth’s Park, Highland Park/Morningside: 5463 Hampton Street
Before industrialization, a stream known as Heth’s (Haights) Run flowed into the Allegheny River, forming a natural boundary between what is today Highland Park and Morningside. Over the years, the stream and valley were filled in to support infrastructure, including water and sewer lines and a bridge, and as a result, Heth’s Run Valley is now 70-80 feet higher than its original level. Unfortunately, though, everyone learned the hard way that a buried stream is still a stream, and today the area is plagued by water and sewer overflow problems, with the City, County, EPA, and community groups trying to coordinate solutions.
In the meantime, when it’s not muddy and mucky, Heth’s Park and Playground attracts visitors. On the afternoon of my visit, a man hits golf balls in the baseball field, two teens anxiously scour the ground around the basketball court for something, and a woman with a toddler explores the playground.
As Heth’s is a short distance from the beautiful and abundant amenities of Highland Park, it’s a pleasant surprise to see people here. While Pittsburgh’s large regional parks are wonderful, sometimes a small neighborhood park offers a more familiar, comfortable experience. And what’s a little mud anyway?
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