Laura Zurowski/Mis.Steps
@mis-steps.bsky.social
A hardy fool, living on a hill. Photographing and writing about Pittsburgh's city steps, parks, playgrounds, and greenways. Hails from divine Providence, RI. See more at mis-steps.com/blog/.
Those familiar with Hobart Street and Squirrel Hill in general will be surprised by what the street looked like 100-ish years ago (pre- Artist & Craftsman Supply and Pigeon Bagels!)
January 8, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Those familiar with Hobart Street and Squirrel Hill in general will be surprised by what the street looked like 100-ish years ago (pre- Artist & Craftsman Supply and Pigeon Bagels!)
Once upon a time, this park had a small fountain or spray feature, but all that remains is a circular impression in the ground. Another creation to make the archaeologists of tomorrow scratch their heads and wonder.
January 8, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Once upon a time, this park had a small fountain or spray feature, but all that remains is a circular impression in the ground. Another creation to make the archaeologists of tomorrow scratch their heads and wonder.
Beyond the courts, there’s a small playground for kids to explore, several benches for sitting, a table for eating, working, or crafting, and a few shady trees that cast lovely shadows as the sun moves across the sky.
January 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Beyond the courts, there’s a small playground for kids to explore, several benches for sitting, a table for eating, working, or crafting, and a few shady trees that cast lovely shadows as the sun moves across the sky.
but then it dawned on me that sometimes you don’t have a partner to play against. Sometimes you want to practice skills, or just hit/throw/kick balls without retrieving them from a distance. A wall like this is a useful addition to athletic courts, and I’m surprised more parks don’t have one.
January 8, 2026 at 5:02 PM
but then it dawned on me that sometimes you don’t have a partner to play against. Sometimes you want to practice skills, or just hit/throw/kick balls without retrieving them from a distance. A wall like this is a useful addition to athletic courts, and I’m surprised more parks don’t have one.
In my years of walking around Pittsburgh, I’ve often imagined the questions archaeologists will one day have about the remains of our current civilization. The large wall in Davis Park is a great example. At first, its purpose confused me, ... 🧵
January 8, 2026 at 4:59 PM
In my years of walking around Pittsburgh, I’ve often imagined the questions archaeologists will one day have about the remains of our current civilization. The large wall in Davis Park is a great example. At first, its purpose confused me, ... 🧵
A lot has changed in this neighborhood since the turn of the twenty-first century, and that’s a very good thing. But don’t be fooled by the street’s name: Commercial is almost 100% residential. If you’re looking for refreshments to enjoy at the park, you’ll need to go further afield!
January 5, 2026 at 5:14 PM
A lot has changed in this neighborhood since the turn of the twenty-first century, and that’s a very good thing. But don’t be fooled by the street’s name: Commercial is almost 100% residential. If you’re looking for refreshments to enjoy at the park, you’ll need to go further afield!
From the Nine Mile Run Trail parking lot on Commercial Street, it’s a 10-minute walk (or shorter bike ride) to the Swisshelm Park Playground. It’s a small, well-tended space with play equipment, athletic courts (which double as an informal chalk-drawing gallery), benches, and picnic tables.
January 5, 2026 at 5:12 PM
From the Nine Mile Run Trail parking lot on Commercial Street, it’s a 10-minute walk (or shorter bike ride) to the Swisshelm Park Playground. It’s a small, well-tended space with play equipment, athletic courts (which double as an informal chalk-drawing gallery), benches, and picnic tables.
But thankfully, that’s not the end of the story. Starting in 2001, the Nine Mile Run watershed became the largest urban stream restoration in the United States, carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It's now considered one of the most successful restorations in the country.
January 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM
But thankfully, that’s not the end of the story. Starting in 2001, the Nine Mile Run watershed became the largest urban stream restoration in the United States, carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It's now considered one of the most successful restorations in the country.
The land was purchased in 1923 by Duquesne Steel Works, and routine dumping of slag, a glass-like material left over after metals are extracted from ore, continued until 1972. Nine Mile Run, which bisects the area, became known as “stink creek” and was polluted beyond belief.
January 5, 2026 at 5:09 PM
The land was purchased in 1923 by Duquesne Steel Works, and routine dumping of slag, a glass-like material left over after metals are extracted from ore, continued until 1972. Nine Mile Run, which bisects the area, became known as “stink creek” and was polluted beyond belief.
Swisshelm Park is in the far southeastern corner of Pittsburgh. Because it’s somewhat geographically isolated, many forget that it’s one of the City’s 90 neighborhoods (or confuse it with nearby Swissvale, which is a separate municipality). 🧵
January 5, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Swisshelm Park is in the far southeastern corner of Pittsburgh. Because it’s somewhat geographically isolated, many forget that it’s one of the City’s 90 neighborhoods (or confuse it with nearby Swissvale, which is a separate municipality). 🧵
For those who visit as dusk deepens, the field gradually illuminates with starry lights, offering the viewer a tender blend of magical beauty.
“Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have this wish I wish tonight.”
Happy New Year!
“Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have this wish I wish tonight.”
Happy New Year!
January 1, 2026 at 6:24 PM
For those who visit as dusk deepens, the field gradually illuminates with starry lights, offering the viewer a tender blend of magical beauty.
“Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have this wish I wish tonight.”
Happy New Year!
“Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have this wish I wish tonight.”
Happy New Year!
During daylight hours, one can explore the lush grass, searching for each stone marker and reading the unique, short phrases engraved on them.
January 1, 2026 at 6:23 PM
During daylight hours, one can explore the lush grass, searching for each stone marker and reading the unique, short phrases engraved on them.
While there’s plenty of public art in Pittsburgh, not all of it is apparent. This is true of the 150 “stars” embedded in the lawn of Mellon Park’s Walled Garden. Created as a memorial to Ann Katherine Seamans, the pattern of lights recreates Pittsburgh's night sky at the moment of Ann’s birth.
January 1, 2026 at 6:22 PM
While there’s plenty of public art in Pittsburgh, not all of it is apparent. This is true of the 150 “stars” embedded in the lawn of Mellon Park’s Walled Garden. Created as a memorial to Ann Katherine Seamans, the pattern of lights recreates Pittsburgh's night sky at the moment of Ann’s birth.
The Point Breeze side offers a different experience. Formerly known as “the Mellon Estate,” the land was offered to the City in the early 1940s for use as a public park. Shortly after, the adjacent property, which included the C. D. Marshall mansion, was also offered to increase the park’s size.
January 1, 2026 at 6:18 PM
The Point Breeze side offers a different experience. Formerly known as “the Mellon Estate,” the land was offered to the City in the early 1940s for use as a public park. Shortly after, the adjacent property, which included the C. D. Marshall mansion, was also offered to increase the park’s size.
Mellon Park straddles both sides of Fifth Avenue. For better and for worse, having a busy road slice through a park means that while it’s one park in name, it’s two parks in atmosphere. The Shadyside side is home to the spray park, playground, athletic fields, and the year-round tennis “bubble.” 🧵
January 1, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Mellon Park straddles both sides of Fifth Avenue. For better and for worse, having a busy road slice through a park means that while it’s one park in name, it’s two parks in atmosphere. The Shadyside side is home to the spray park, playground, athletic fields, and the year-round tennis “bubble.” 🧵
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a tranquil spot to eat lunch, stop by and take a close look. Discoveries await.
December 30, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a tranquil spot to eat lunch, stop by and take a close look. Discoveries await.
The Memorial has seen good days and bad since it was installed in 1930. A little less than a decade ago, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy embarked on a substantial upgrade, with improved water management, walkways, and native landscaping.
December 30, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The Memorial has seen good days and bad since it was installed in 1930. A little less than a decade ago, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy embarked on a substantial upgrade, with improved water management, walkways, and native landscaping.
... the centerpiece of Westinghouse’s ensemble is considerably more approachable. Titled “The Spirit of American Youth,” the primary figure is a young man holding a stack of books in one hand and a crumpled hat in the other.
December 30, 2025 at 4:17 PM
... the centerpiece of Westinghouse’s ensemble is considerably more approachable. Titled “The Spirit of American Youth,” the primary figure is a young man holding a stack of books in one hand and a crumpled hat in the other.
The Memorial’s sculptures were designed by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who had recently completed the seated Abraham Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial.
While Lincoln’s representation is massive and physically commanding...
While Lincoln’s representation is massive and physically commanding...
December 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The Memorial’s sculptures were designed by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who had recently completed the seated Abraham Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial.
While Lincoln’s representation is massive and physically commanding...
While Lincoln’s representation is massive and physically commanding...
One place I’m consistently drawn to is the Westinghouse Memorial, at the intersection of Schenley Drive and West Circuit Road. The Memorial, spearheaded by the City Council in 1916, two years after George Westinghouse’s death, was financed by small donations from over 55,000 Westinghouse employees.
December 30, 2025 at 4:13 PM
One place I’m consistently drawn to is the Westinghouse Memorial, at the intersection of Schenley Drive and West Circuit Road. The Memorial, spearheaded by the City Council in 1916, two years after George Westinghouse’s death, was financed by small donations from over 55,000 Westinghouse employees.
Schenley Park. Entire books have been (and could be) written about its legendary and fascinating history, filled with colorful characters, political machinations, creative desires, and a diverse and complex landscape. A person could spend a lifetime uncovering everything this space has to offer. 🧵
December 30, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Schenley Park. Entire books have been (and could be) written about its legendary and fascinating history, filled with colorful characters, political machinations, creative desires, and a diverse and complex landscape. A person could spend a lifetime uncovering everything this space has to offer. 🧵
If you’re looking to get outside this holiday week, consider a visit! This is a great spot for comparing old vs. new maps and searching for the streets residents once traveled.
December 24, 2025 at 8:20 PM
If you’re looking to get outside this holiday week, consider a visit! This is a great spot for comparing old vs. new maps and searching for the streets residents once traveled.
With winding, packed-dirt trails, intentional landscaping of native plants, rustic yet comfortable occasional seating, and ample trail signage, it’s a joy to visit. The accolades this spot has received are well deserved, and there’s more to come in the years ahead.
December 24, 2025 at 8:18 PM
With winding, packed-dirt trails, intentional landscaping of native plants, rustic yet comfortable occasional seating, and ample trail signage, it’s a joy to visit. The accolades this spot has received are well deserved, and there’s more to come in the years ahead.
Reclaiming the space meant increased opportunities for job creation and recreation, environmental research and education, and the revitalization of a historic neighborhood. The work has progressed at a steady pace over, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the transformation is miraculous.
December 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Reclaiming the space meant increased opportunities for job creation and recreation, environmental research and education, and the revitalization of a historic neighborhood. The work has progressed at a steady pace over, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the transformation is miraculous.
Fortunately, in 2020, Hazelwood was selected for a pilot program that included financial support for improving social equity and climate resilience. This award was fantastic news because Hazelwood’s greenway, at 183 acres, is the second-largest in the City.
December 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Fortunately, in 2020, Hazelwood was selected for a pilot program that included financial support for improving social equity and climate resilience. This award was fantastic news because Hazelwood’s greenway, at 183 acres, is the second-largest in the City.