Park Rangers
Upcoming Events
January
1/3: Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
- Location: Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave.
- Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM
- Details: Meet at the Allegheny Observatory where Park Rangers will lead you on an hour hike under the light of the moon. We will try to rely on the light of the moon and not use flashlights, but some low impact lights can be provided per request. The trail will be moderate with elevation changes, please dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. We will only hike about a mile and take an hour to do so, stopping and talking about nocturnal animals along the way.
Afterwards, we will take a quick tour of the Allegheny Observatory before looking at the moon through one of it's historical telescopes! This is a completely weather dependent event, and it will be canceled even if it's just too cloudy. Please register with an email where you can be updated about cancelations. We do this almost every month, so check this eventbrite page next month if it does get canceled.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moon-hike-and-observatory-moon-viewing-tickets-1976638484918?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Merna (merna.goose@pittsburghpa.gov)
1/31: Smash & Trash
- Location: Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground (Nearest Residential Address: 2466 Beechwood Blvd)
- Time: 10:30AM-12:00PM
- Details: Come join Rangers and help remove Spotted Lanternfly Egg masses! Participants will learn how to recognize and remove egg masses while picking up litter from Frick Park. Attendees should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared to gradually hike (less than 1.5 miles) off trail and on uneven surfaces.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pgh-park-rangers-64610830893
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Chris at 412-529-9664 (Christopher.Cwenar@pittsburghpa.gov)
February
2/28: Smash & Trash
- Location: Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground (Nearest Residential Address: 2466 Beechwood Blvd)
- Time: 10:30AM-12:00PM
- Details: Come join Rangers and help remove Spotted Lanternfly Egg masses! Participants will learn how to recognize and remove egg masses while picking up litter from Frick Park. Attendees should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared to gradually hike (less than 1.5 miles) off trail and on uneven surfaces.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pgh-park-rangers-64610830893
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Chris at 412-529-9664 (Christopher.Cwenar@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!
The Pittsburgh Park Rangers are now offering tours of the Neill Log House in Schenley Park! This is the City of Pittsburgh's oldest existing log residence built in 1795! To learn more, book a tour, or view open office hours please visit the Neill Log House homepage.
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!
last updated: 12/03/2025