Trip #616 Oakleaf Drive, Lincoln Place, Pittsburgh took place on July 20, 2021, and was published on July 30, 2021.
As we’ve all come to realize, the internet can be a source of incorrect, misleading, or outdated information. Unfortunately, we don’t always identify these fallacies, which creates problems when reality doesn’t match expectations. In this case, Google StreetView lead me to believe the Oakleaf Drive city steps would be completely overgrown. Seeing this was a real bummer because I enjoy exploring the stairs and their connecting streets. When confronted by an impenetrable wall of knotweed and vines, I’m stuck in one spot, and my travels curtailed. Because I envisioned the worst, you can imagine my surprise and relief when I discovered the stairway was completely clear! Hallelujah! The area looked fantastic, and it was apparent someone wanted the functional and architectural beauty of the stairs to shine. And if, in exchange for that care, the steward is secretly stashing evidence of forbidden beverages below a step, so be it. The next time I come around, I’ll bring a bag and collect them for recycling. 😉
Field Notes: It was so nice to find that this flight is being cared for (despite the stash of cans under one of the steps)! It’s a great spot and connects the two sections of the neighborhood in a lovely way.
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.
