Olympia Park

Where to Find It

Olympia Park sprawls across 8.6 acres at the southern end of Hallock Street in Pittsburgh's Mount Washington neighborhood, right beside a playing field. It's pretty easy to reach whether you're a local or just visiting, though parking can be a bit tricky - you'll have to snag one of the limited spots along the roadside, which can fill up quickly during peak times.

Part of Something Bigger

Olympia Park isn't just a standalone green space - it's actually part of the Emerald View Park system that wraps around the Duquesne Heights, Mount Washington, and Allentown neighborhoods. What makes this urban park network interesting is how it blends existing parkland with reclaimed hillsides that were previously mined and stripped of vegetation. If you're into hiking, you can access an Emerald View trailhead right from the park that connects to a larger network of trails.

A short path leads from the parking lot up to the Emerald View Trail

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

What You'll Find There

Dog owners will appreciate One of the park's standout features is its dog park, where local pups come to play. It's thoughtfully divided into separate areas for large and small dogs, so your furry friend can socialize safely regardless of size. Sports enthusiasts haven't been forgotten either - there's a baseball field and a basketball court waiting for your next game.

Kids will gravitate toward the playground with its slides and swings, however it's worth noting that the nearby water fountains don't always work reliably. Overall, the park is kept in good shape, with clean grounds and well-maintained facilities.

A colorful fish mosaic decorates the ground near the playground area

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Gathering Space

The park features a shelter house that was renovated in 2023 after being closed since a fire damaged it back in 2009. The renovated space includes a kitchen with a refrigerator (no stove, though), bathrooms on both floors, and folding tables and chairs. With room for over 100 people, it's become a go-to spot for everything from birthday celebrations and baby showers to family reunions and community gatherings.

The welcome sign along Virginia Avenue is a thing of beauty

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Getting Around

The park offers handicap parking spots if you have mobility issues. One thing to be aware of is the fast traffic on Virginia Avenue near the crosswalk to the park - locals have raised concerns about this, so take extra care when crossing. Despite this concern, Olympia Park is a popular green space for Mount Washington residents.