Trip #731 Stebbins Avenue, Brookline, Pittsburgh, took place on April 17, 2022, and was published on May 23, 2022.
We all have times when we know we’ve lost our way or strayed off the path. Being in such a place is often uncomfortable, and we can feel confused, apathetic, or disengaged from all that we once enjoyed. When we’re in this broken-down dark spot, it’s tempting to think we’ll be stuck in it forever. And while we always have the option to set up shop and stick around indefinitely, the path out of darkness is never far away. Just take a look, then take a step. Look again and step again. Identifying where and how to go might not be easy or pretty, and the journey might lead you back to an old familiar place or guide you somewhere new. Not all those who wander are lost, but the surest way to find your intended path is to get out there and explore.
Field Notes: This sidewalk flight is a combination of railroad ties and asphalt. I’ve seen this construction in a few other areas and think it was probably a cheaper alternative than making a concrete set of sidewalk stairs. Also, the grade isn’t too steep, so only a few steps were needed to span the block. Either way, it looks like it was built and then never returned to ever again. Nature is taking it back. 🙂
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, and trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
