Trip #347 Government Way, Central Lawrenceville, took place on September 21, 2019, and was published on October 7, 2019.
Of all the times I’ve visited the library on Fisk Street, and all the times I’ve driven up or down 40th Street past Arsenal Park, I’ve never once spotted this old flight of sidewalk stairs that connects the two. As I explore this secret passageway, I feel amazed and filled with joy. What a delightful way to transport people from one exceptional city resource to another! The day of my visit is unseasonably warm, and the sun uncharacteristically intense. The shade between the buildings is cool and welcoming, and the air is filled with the aromas of a late-summer Saturday afternoon – freshly cut grass, laundry soap, and food cooking on a grill. Spending time on Government Way was an adventure of the simplest sort but wholeheartedly satisfying!
Field Notes: Such a cute sidewalk stair-walk that connects the Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Public Library to Arsenal Park. Cuts right through the block!
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!!
