The North Shore Riverfront Park project involved the complete redesign and rehabilitation of a 67,00-foot segment of linear park and trail facilities along the north shore of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers in downtown Pittsburgh. The area was initially designed and developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a passive linear park to complement Point State Park across the river. It was originally known as as Clemente Park.
In the following decades, the surrounding area changed significantly and the park was forced to accommodate a number of unforeseen uses. River taxis and the Gateway Clipper fleet regularly docked along the park to bring visitors to Three Rivers Stadium and the Carnegie Science Center. The Steel Industry Heritage Corporation planned to use the park as a landing for its River of Steel Tours.
In 2000, the Pittsburgh Sports
and Exhibition Authority began working with partners to make improvements that would allow the park to better accommodate a variety of uses and users. Environmental Stewardship Fund grants awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, leveraged with millions of private dollars, helped develop the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which now brings cyclists, runners, and walkers through the park. Green space and passive areas were added, giving people the chance to relax and take in the spectacular view of the city skyline across river. Various memorials and statues were constructed to showcase Pittsburgh’s rich history.