Trip #104 University Drive to Allequippa Street, North Oakland, Pittsburgh took place on February 20, 2018, and was published on March 7, 2018.
Unlike today, when I visited these steps in late February, it felt like a spring day. I knew it was a bit too early for the official start of the season, but still, it was exciting to think about warmer temperatures after enduring so many frozen winter days. I could see that in the sunny spots, some grasses were turning green and flying insects re-appearing. And of course, all the formerly hibernating humans were showing up too; squinting a bit in the unfamiliar light, faces eagerly turned toward the shining yellow orb in the blue sky. The truth of the matter is that we’re not all that different from the new buds on a branch or crocuses popping up from the soil. So, c’mon spring, keep it comin’! Don’t turn back now!
Field Notes: This visit took place on a gorgeous day – it really made the freshly painted white and yellow lines on the road near these stairs stand out.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
