Trip #499 Greenleaf Street, Duquesne Heights, Pittsburgh took place on September 19, 2020, and was published on October 9, 2020.
While walking all over the city feels normal, natural, and fun for me, I’ve come to realize my tendency is a bit unique. Visiting neighborhoods and city steps is simply not how many folks choose to spend their time. Because people prefer their vehicles, neighborhood residents often notice when someone is walking down their street. In my three years of walking around Pittsburgh (499 public stairways in 58 neighborhoods so far), I’ve never encountered an angry or intimidating person. Still, I have been on the receiving end of questioning glances, front porch stares, and pointed, “Something I can help you with?” questions. In all cases, I say hello and smile, and if I think it’ll be helpful, talk a bit about what I’m doing. I hope my demeanor reminds them that walking around a neighborhood should be normal, natural, and fun, and a familiar experience we all can share.
Field Notes: This is a long sidewalk with steps that run alongside and slightly below Greenleaf Street. It’s a lovely area right next to the Emerald Way greenway.
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.
