Park Rangers
Upcoming Events
February
2/8: Nearly Full Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
- Location: Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave, 15214
- Time: 8PM-10PM
- Details: Join Pittsburgh Park Rangers on a one-hour hike using the light of the nearly full moon to guide our way. We encourage participants to keep lights to a minimum and enjoy the darkness and the moonlight. There will be stairs, some elevation changes, and some rugged trails, which we will take at a gradual pace, with 3 educational stops. Please dress appropriately for the weather and know that this event is very weather dependent and will be canceled even if it’s just too cloudy. We do this before the moon is actually full because it is better for viewing afterward at the Observatory. The second half-hour of this event will be spent touring the Observatory and viewing the moon through its telescopes! Registration required.
- Registration Link: Click here to register
- Questions? Please contact Ranger Merna at merna.goose@pittsburghpa.gov
2/15: Great Backyard Bird Count (Emerald View Park)
- Location: Grandview Park, 664 Science St, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
- Time: 8AM-9AM
- Details: Join us at the Grandview Park Bandstand for a fun hour of birdwatching and counting as we participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. This event is perfect for all ages and experience levels. Grab your binoculars and get ready to spot some feathered friends in their natural habitat. Let's count some birds together and contribute to citizen science. Don't miss out on this exciting event! Dress for the weather and expect to hike slowly for close to 1 hour.
- Registration Link: Click here to register
- Questions? Please contact Ranger Marya at marya.pittaway@pittsburghpa.gov or call 412-977-9442
2/15: Great Backyard Bird Count (Riverview Park)
- Location: Riverview Park Visitor Center, 1 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
- Time: 8AM-10AM
- Details: Join Park Rangers and local birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count! The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global community science event that began in 1998 where participants count and document the birds they see in their communities. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. No experience is necessary, and you will be guided by experts! Beginners welcome, and there will be hot cocoa and a limited number of binoculars provided at the Visitor Center.
- Registration Link: Click here to register
- Questions? Please contact Ranger Merna at merna.goose@pittsburghpa.gov
Mission
Pittsburgh Park Rangers work year-round as liaisons between the public and the City of Pittsburgh to advocate and promote City Parks. Park Rangers are responsible for park related ordinance enforcement, educational programming and oversight of all Pittsburgh City Parks. Through daily patrols, continual safety education, and emergency response assistance they ensure safety for all park patrons.
Park Presence
Pittsburgh Park Rangers have jurisdiction over all Pittsburgh Parks and are actively present in all five regional parks including Emerald View, Frick, Highland, Riverview, and Schenley Parks. Rangers are also present in smaller parks including Allegheny Commons, Market Square, Mellon Park, and Westinghouse Park amongst others.
Rules and Regulations
Park Rangers are authorized to enforce and issue citations for any violation to park ordinances which can be found under the municipal code section 473 and 633. These rules include but are not limited to:
- Park hours are 6AM-11PM unless otherwise noted.
- All pets must remain on a leash throughout the park unless in an approved off-leash exercise area (OLEA) site.
- Any disfigurement or removal of park amenities is prohibited. This includes natural resources such as lumber, plants, and/or seeds.
- All forms of tobacco are prohibited within City Parks. This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.
- Interfering with any wildlife is prohibited, this includes hunting, trapping, feeding, and/or harvesting.
- Proper permits are required for any pavilion rental or special event happening within parks.
- Drones and Model Airplanes are prohibited in City Parks
- Grilling is only permitted in designated grilling areas. Campfires are prohibited without a permit.
Additional Questions? Check out the municipal code of ordinances.
Programming
The Pittsburgh Park Rangers organize numerous educational activities both in parks and classroom settings. Activities include nature related tabling activities, star parties and guided hikes! If you are interested in setting up a Park Ranger sponsored program feel free to send us an e-mail!
Take the first step in your journey towards becoming an official Junior Park Ranger! Complete the Junior Park Ranger Adventure Guide(PDF, 15MB) and exchange it for a badge at any Park Ranger event throughout the year.
Pittsburgh Park Rangers "Nature at Home!" workbook(PDF, 7MB) . This packet is full of free activities for kids and families including coloring, puzzles, nature pages, and even a Build-Your-Own Park activity!
Get in Touch!
Have a question or concern regarding your local park? Or want to set up a program? Send us an email. Include which park you are interested in and a ranger will get back to you! Parkrangers@pittsburghpa.gov
Social Media
Follow the Pittsburgh Park Rangers at @pghparkrangers on Facebook and @pghparkrangers on Instagram to keep up-to-date on everything happening in Pittsburgh's Parks!