Trip #581 Rectenwald Street, Mount Oliver, Pittsburgh took place on April 18, 2021, and was published on May 3, 2021.
The air is warm and smells like cut grass, and overhead the sky blue sky and glowing sun work their magic – and I’m clearly not the only one feeling expansive and free. Everywhere I turn, people greet me with easy smiles and relaxed conversation: the woman laughing in her front yard, a plump baby on her hip, the young man with the backpack who exclaims his love for this neighborhood, the children pedaling their trikes with unrivaled exuberance, and the construction worker proudly surveying the refurbished sidewalk. In a world that often appears tight and closed like an angry fist, moments of easy freedom are delicious. As we take in a full, satisfying breath and slowly exhale into relaxation, another neighborhood reclaims openness.
Field Notes: This flight was built into the hillside back in 1948 so it’s not terribly surprising that it’s “sinking” a bit into the earth. The area around it appears to be well cared for though – and as a result, it’s a pleasant (and slightly amusing) place to walk around.
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
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.
