Trip #180 Berwick Street, Hazelwood, Pittsburgh took place on August 11, 2018, and was published on August 31, 2018.
On a hot day, we gravitate to the coolness found in the shadowy shade. The dim area beneath a canopy of green restores us, replenishing our energy. But a shady shadow can make us uncertain, tentative. When a place in the natural landscape is too hidden in darkness, it can bring out our fears. What can’t I see that can see me? Shadows are created when light cannot pass through an object. But shadows on their own don’t create fear. The mind creates fear. Our perception of the balance between darkness (unsafe) and light (safe) has an almost mystical power that can lead us to conjure all sorts of interpretations. Nevertheless, when the late summer sun burns bright, we welcome the shade and its shadows and put aside the worries our minds may be concocting.
Field Notes: Berwick Street is a dead end but it’s paved now – looks different from the 2007 image on Google Maps street view!
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!!
