Trip #303 Warren Street to Lanark Street, Fineview, took place on June 14, 2019, and was published on June 24, 2019.
Rising above the near vertical terrain between Warren and Lanark Streets, this wooden flight carves a useful path. When we use it, or any other flight of city steps, it’s easy to forget that we’re treading upon someone’s effort, imagination, and creation. Stairs don’t magically “appear” out of the earth; they exist because people envisioned the opportunities having them would bring, and the ease and comfort they could provide. These stairs were a goal achieved through the summoning of resources, knowledge, and creativity. For over 50 years the people of Pittsburgh were responsible for building over 739 public stairways – more than what’s found in any other city. That’s the kind of determined, sustained energy we need to muster if we want to keep the city steps viable for the years to come!
Field Notes: The flight is on Rising Main Ave which is the road leading up to Rising Main Way which are the stairs. This street is very steep and the wooden flight runs along the side and in front of the houses.
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!!
