Niagara Park / Oakcliffe Playground, South Oakland: 3100 Niagara Street
While the city of Pittsburgh designates 90 official neighborhoods, “micro-neighborhoods” within these have existed over time. Some names persist, while others fade as times change, and shared familiarity and knowledge disappear.
Oakcliff (also spelled Oakcliffe) is a small residential enclave in South Oakland. It sits on a steep hillside bordered by the Boulevard of the Allies, Bates Street, and, up until the construction of I-376, the Monongahela River. Unlike other parts of Oakland, which are known for student rentals, Oakcliffe still has families who have lived here since the days of steel mills and smoky skies. Niagara Park is small but well shaded, with a smattering of play equipment, a half basketball court, and some recycled picnic tables from nearby Schenley Park. It’s a quiet place, in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by the busyness of people, places, and things. It’s a place to pause, take a breath, and marvel at the changes, fast and slow.
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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.