Built in 1927 by Paul Riis, Swiss architect best known for his involvement in the development of Yellowstone National Park, the Cascades are a series of shallow pools built amongst large rocks located in the middle of South Park. Trickling waterfalls and plants native to the area animate the Cascades, but it was the children and families who would visit and play amongst the waters that brought the Cascades to life. An escape from the bustling city, families would flock to the serenity of the Cascades, and children would excite over the cool water and stimulating scenery. However, years of neglect led to the Cascades being forgotten by time and they were quickly reclaimed by nature.
Together with Allegheny County, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Citrone Thirty-Three Foundation, the Penguins Foundation is reviving this hidden treasure for the Pittsburgh community. "The Cascades are a fond memory for many South Park natives," said Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation President Dave Soltesz. "We are excited to bring it back for the community to enjoy."
The Cascades will provide the community with a historic, educational, and fun escape. This location vibrantly filled with wildlife and plants native to the Pittsburgh region will be a destination for families throughout the changing seasons.
This restoration will be the first of many projects through the Penguins Foundation's newest initiative, Operation Restore. By restoring areas, like the Cascades, the Foundation is making sure that future generations can appreciate the uniqueness of the Pittsburgh region.
You can learn more about Operation Restore and the restoration of the Cascades by visiting
www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org
.
Visit
http://tinyurl.com/ACParksFdn-SouthParkCascades
to donate and join the Cascades restoration project.
