Pittsburgh’s Market Square has introduced a temporary safety policy and a new roller-skating rink as part of ongoing efforts to enhance downtown safety and create a family-friendly environment.The policy, which began April 30, requires individuals under 18 to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 in Market Square from Thursday to Sunday, between 3 p.m. and midnight. Private security and additional Pittsburgh police officers have been stationed at the six intersections surrounding the square.”We’ve noticed a big difference. It’s been great. Can’t say enough about it,” said Cocky’s Coop manager Joe Mowod.Businesses in the area have reported noticeable improvements since the policy was implemented. “I’m liking it. It’s a lot better, definitely,” said Moe’s Southwest Grill manager Aiden Collins. “Especially during the (NFL) draft, I had to deal with a lot of kids, kicking them out. They were just ignoring me, being rude, stuff like that.”Another change in Market Square is the debut of a pop-up roller-skating rink, which began Thursday night. The rink is part of a family-friendly initiative expected to bring more young people to the area. “As long as the kids are doing something, you know what I’m saying? If you have too much free time, you’re going to get in trouble. But if you have something to do, you’ll be good,” said C.C. Clark, who owns ClarkFit Boxing in Market Square.Another person shared their perspective on the new outdoor space.”Having an outdoor space, we consider it for us as like an outdoor classroom where kids can come learn in public, and we feel that this is a beautiful space for kids to be able to come and hang out with friends,” said A.I.M. founder Von Madden.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

Pittsburgh’s Market Square has introduced a temporary safety policy and a new roller-skating rink as part of ongoing efforts to enhance downtown safety and create a family-friendly environment.

The policy, which began April 30, requires individuals under 18 to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 in Market Square from Thursday to Sunday, between 3 p.m. and midnight. Private security and additional Pittsburgh police officers have been stationed at the six intersections surrounding the square.

“We’ve noticed a big difference. It’s been great. Can’t say enough about it,” said Cocky’s Coop manager Joe Mowod.

Businesses in the area have reported noticeable improvements since the policy was implemented.

“I’m liking it. It’s a lot better, definitely,” said Moe’s Southwest Grill manager Aiden Collins. “Especially during the (NFL) draft, I had to deal with a lot of kids, kicking them out. They were just ignoring me, being rude, stuff like that.”

Another change in Market Square is the debut of a pop-up roller-skating rink, which began Thursday night. The rink is part of a family-friendly initiative expected to bring more young people to the area.

“As long as the kids are doing something, you know what I’m saying? If you have too much free time, you’re going to get in trouble. But if you have something to do, you’ll be good,” said C.C. Clark, who owns ClarkFit Boxing in Market Square.

Another person shared their perspective on the new outdoor space.

“Having an outdoor space, we consider it for us as like an outdoor classroom where kids can come learn in public, and we feel that this is a beautiful space for kids to be able to come and hang out with friends,” said A.I.M. founder Von Madden.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.