Trip #111 Girdley Way, Spring Hill-City View, Pittsburgh took place on March 6, 2018, and was published on March 23, 2018.
When I focus my attention on the stairs and try to connect with them using all of my senses, they become something much more than just metal and concrete surrounded by trees and trash. In a way, they become alive and reveal their natural beauty, their worth, and their unique identity. It doesn’t matter if they’re functional or decayed beyond repair, well-cared for or overgrown and forgotten, long or short, each one carries the stories of the people who have traveled their path. I don’t know who these people are, and I will never know their stories, but they’re here, on these stairs and in these neighborhoods where houses used to be and where houses still stand today.
Field Notes: It’s too bad this one is closed. Based on the map at Steps PGH (gis.pittsburghpa.gov/steps/) this flight had an “offshoot” flight (perhaps to a house?). The bottom section is safe to climb but as you go up, the concrete has fallen out in most places.
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!!
