Frankie Pace Park is a public park that opened in 2021 and is owned by the City of Pittsburgh. The park is a "cap" that covers part of Interstate 579 and reconnects the Hill District with the Business District, helping residents to commute to jobs. The park is 3 acres and contains pedestrian paths, bicycle paths, a bus stop, benches, grassy lawns, trees, rain gardens, steps, art, performance areas, etcetera.
The park is named after Frankie Mae Pace (1905-1989), a female activist who fought against the Urban Redevelopment Authority's redevelopment of the Hill District in the 1950s onward. The redevelopment displaced thousands of Black and immigrant residents and disrupted their social and economic networks. Frankie Pace advocated for the residents' housing and education.
A story wall showcases the life of Frankie Pace, and a second story wall showcases another prominent person of the Hill District, Martin Delany (1812-1885), who was an abolitionist, journalist, and educator. Furthermore, throughout the park, signs show "Keisha," an African American cartoon who guides visitors along the paths.
For decades, this land was the location of the Civic Arena and then parking lots. Other, larger parking lots are currently still located farther into the Hill District and provide parking spaces for suburban commuters. I appreciate that Frankie Pace Park helps Hill District residents to walk or take the bus to other neighborhoods and also provides a convenient place for recreation.
My visit was on a chilly, rainy weekend day, and I noticed only one other person walking along the paths. I hope that this park gets more use on sunny days and week days. read more