Trip #490 Hillgrove Avenue to Broadway Avenue, Beechview, Pittsburgh took place on September 4, 2020, and was published on September 18, 2020.
Pittsburgh’s landscape is always changing, and walking through it requires attention and a certain degree of preparedness. I’ve made enough journeys on city steps to realize that my experience will be less than ideal when I’m wearing the wrong pair of shoes or feeling preoccupied. The same holds true when we take a walk down “Memory Lane.” Reminiscing about past events might feel like strolling through a familiar neighborhood, but it’s not, and awareness can affect your experience. For example, a story once told for laughs may collapse like a sinkhole if it’s dated or offensive. But on a positive note, memories that once felt like an abandoned house or an ice-covered hillside can transform into tales of strength and inspiration. The landscape is always changing, and you, and your memories, will change with it.
Field Notes: Another long flight of sidewalk steps running off of Banksville Road. I did see another person walking up these while I was there, but perhaps there isn’t enough foot traffic (or concerned neighbors) to keep them clean and clear.
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
