Kennard Park

History and Overview

Located in Pittsburgh's Hill District, Kennard Park is a modest yet cherished community space. What started as Soho Playground back in 1918 eventually found its identity when renamed after Beulah Elfreth Kennard. While it may not be the largest green space in the city, it provides a recreational space for locals looking to escape the urban hustle.

Athletic Facilities

At the heart of the park lies Kennard Field, a versatile playing area that hosts everything from football to baseball and soccer. The field proudly represents home base for the Hill District Rebels youth football team, where future athletes hone their skills. Fair warning though - after a good rain, the field tends to transform into something of a mud pit due to drainage issues.

You'll also find basketball courts and a tennis court here, however they've certainly seen better days. The basketball courts sport numerous patches covering holes, while the tennis court has developed some character-building cracks over the years.

Amenities for Children

Kids have their own space to burn energy with basic playground equipment that gets the job done. When summer temperatures climb, the spray feature becomes the neighborhood favorite, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.

There's a building that was originally meant to house bathrooms, but life had other plans. Due to its deteriorating condition, it now is storage space instead. Don't worry though - portable toilets are available and, surprisingly, they're kept quite clean according to recent visitors.

Additional Amenities

The picnic area is generally well-maintained and clean, suitable for enjoying a meal in the fresh air. The open spaces also make this a decent spot to let your four-legged friends stretch their legs, as the park maintains a pet-friendly atmosphere.

Future Plans

There's hope on the horizon for Kennard Park. Recent years have seen the development of renovation plans aimed at addressing those maintenance issues and giving the facilities a much-needed upgrade. For the community that relies on this modest green space, these improvements can't come soon enough.