Trip #153 Malden Street, Marshall-Shadeland, Pittsburgh took place on June 16, 2018, and was published on June 29, 2018.
Wherever you are, try this for just a moment. Look at what is right in front of you with clear and open eyes and hearts and minds and simply focus on your sense of sight. Try to step aside from the brain’s naming and judging of what’s in your field of vision, and approach the view like an outsider, a visitor from a distant past or far away future who is curious and willing to explore. Question what catches your attention to understand its use and value beyond what you already assume its use and value to be. What else can this be used for? How might I perceive this differently? Dig a little. Dig a lot. There’s something more for you to find – and it might only take a moment.
Field Notes: Despite what Google Maps shows, this flight is open. The bottom portion has some boarded up houses and my presence caused several dogs to start barking but the top is nice enough.
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!!
