Oakwood Park, Oakwood: 1684 Durbin Street
Every park and playground is full of curiosities, and Oakwood Park, in the city’s West End, is no different.
The first feature that’ll grab attention is the long, tall sandstone wall. Constructed in the 1880s, it once contained the community’s reservoir and is still in excellent condition. While the water is long gone, the local climbing community greatly loves the 540 feet of curved wall space. Ideal for those starting out or looking for an endurance challenge.
Another curiosity is the old tower bell that greets visitors at the top of the Durbin Street city steps. The bell called local children to the four-room brick schoolhouse that once occupied the hilltop near the reservoir. Built in 1909, the school had close to 145 students some years. Whatever method you use to do the math, small class sizes weren’t a thing!
Another “noteworthy” curiosity is that the space is often filled with beautiful sounds. Two styles of drums, an xylophone, and a board of small bells are scattered throughout the traditional climbing and swinging options. The tones are resonant and light and harmonize perfectly with the trees and stone wall. These features provide a different way to experience play I’ve not seen at other parks (yet, I still have plenty more to visit!). If the children and adults congregating around the instruments are any indication, they are greatly enjoyed by all who visit.
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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.