August Wilson Park

A Hill District Site with History

Positioned in Pittsburgh's historic Hill District, August Wilson Park is a refreshing four-acre oasis that's seen quite the transformation in recent years. Once known as Cliffside Park, it was renamed in 2016 after Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, the neighborhood's famous son.

If you're lucky enough to visit during August Wilson Day, you'll experience a vibrant community celebration that honors the legendary playwright's legacy while bringing locals together.

Views That'll Make You Pause

The views here are remarkable. Standing in the park, you can take in panoramic vistas of Pittsburgh's skyline that offer a genuine moment of pause from city life. From here, you can take in the north side, the winding Allegheny River, and the bustling Strip District all at once.

The landscape itself has a natural, easy beauty - mature oak trees provide welcome shade, a community garden adds color, and the rolling terrain is fully accessible so everyone can enjoy what this space has to offer.

The thoughtful design follows the Greenprint for the Hill District, a plan that's all about reconnecting residents with their unique landscape and creating better connections between the Hill and the rest of Pittsburgh.

A Community Comeback Story

What makes August Wilson Park special isn't just what you see - it's how it came to be. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy led the restoration, but the real heroes were the local residents who shared their input after watching their neighborhood park decline over the years.

The redesign tackled practical problems like drainage issues and overgrown vegetation that had obscured those amazing views, while giving much-needed attention to worn-out amenities.

Culture in the Open Air

Walking through the park is like taking a mini cultural tour. You'll find vintage photographs by Pittsburgh's own Charles "Teenie" Harris and thought-provoking quotations from August Wilson himself - little touches that celebrate the rich heritage of this historically significant neighborhood.

This isn't just a place with pretty views - it's where community happens, offering space for everything from quiet reflection to lively gatherings.

Small Park, Plenty to Do

Despite not being huge, the park packs in some nice features. Kids gravitate to the modern playground with its clean, well-maintained equipment. While there aren't any swings, there are plenty of other structures to keep little ones engaged.

When you need a break, there's a picnic table where you can sit and soak in those spectacular views. And yes, there's a portable restroom on-site - sometimes it's the practical things that matter most.

The Experience

Many locals describe this place as a "golden nugget" within the Hill District. It's well-kept but rarely crowded - one of those hidden spots that maintains a sense of discovery. Everything here fits together in a surprisingly intimate space.

Families especially appreciate the park - parents can relax in a pleasant environment while keeping an eye on playing children. And if you're into geocaching, you might find yourself here on one of your adventures, adding another layer to your experience of this thoughtfully restored community space.