\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSchenley Plaza in Oakland is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, commemorating its transformation from a parking lot into a vibrant community park. The plaza, now a popular gathering space, was once a sea of cars and asphalt. Its transformation into a green space required vision and effort from Pittsburghers. “We saw this as an opportunity to take this gravel parking lot that wasn’t always intended to be a gravel parking lot, and make it into a green space that could just be open to everyone, and could really just create this inviting atmosphere right here in the heart of Oakland,” said Alana Wenk of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. In 2006, the idea of removing parking in Oakland to create a park was considered bold. “So 20 years ago, it was quite the concept to eliminate parking in Oakland and turn it into a green space. Definitely there were pros and cons from people,” Wenk said. Today, Schenley Plaza is a vital part of the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s campus, offering a space for students and visitors to relax and unwind. “It really is like a mini Central Park here in Pittsburgh. You have the carousel, you have food kiosks, you have this incredible tent and the green space here. It’s not something that’s found in every city,” Wenk said. One of the plaza\u2019s standout features is its carousel, styled after the 1930s. “People come from far and wide just to ride the carousel. It’s a great spot for graduation photos. We have brides in wedding dresses that like to get their photos taken on the carousel, because why not? It’s whimsical,” said Matthew Hileman, director of operations and visitor engagement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Hileman highlighted the enduring appeal of carousels. “That carousels really are timeless. Right? Here we are, 2026. People still like to ride the carousel. Get excited about it,” he said. The plaza has become a draw for students, families, and those considering making Pittsburgh their home. “I think most people can’t picture Oakland without Schenley Plaza. It’s a draw for students, a draw for families and people who are considering making Pittsburgh their home,” Wenk said. To mark its 20th anniversary, Schenley Plaza will host a “20th Birthday Jubilee” on July 25. The event will include free carousel rides, vendors, face painting, balloon artists, and horse and carriage rides. “That’s going to be the Plaza’s 20th birthday party essentially. We’ll have the carousel running for free, carriage rides, various vendors, face painting, balloon artists. So really something for everyone to come enjoy,” Wenk said. Organizers say the event is free and open to everyone. Register in advance here: https:\/\/pittsburghparks.org\/event\/schenley-plaza-jubilee-20th-anniversary-celebration\/\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tPITTSBURGH \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Schenley Plaza in Oakland is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, commemorating its transformation from a parking lot into a vibrant community park. <\/p>\n
The plaza, now a popular gathering space, was once a sea of cars and asphalt. Its transformation into a green space required vision and effort from Pittsburghers. <\/p>\n
“We saw this as an opportunity to take this gravel parking lot that wasn’t always intended to be a gravel parking lot, and make it into a green space that could just be open to everyone, and could really just create this inviting atmosphere right here in the heart of Oakland,” said Alana Wenk of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. <\/p>\n
In 2006, the idea of removing parking in Oakland to create a park was considered bold. <\/p>\n
“So 20 years ago, it was quite the concept to eliminate parking in Oakland and turn it into a green space. Definitely there were pros and cons from people,” Wenk said. <\/p>\n
Today, Schenley Plaza is a vital part of the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s campus, offering a space for students and visitors to relax and unwind. <\/p>\n
“It really is like a mini Central Park here in Pittsburgh. You have the carousel, you have food kiosks, you have this incredible tent and the green space here. It’s not something that’s found in every city,” Wenk said. <\/p>\n
One of the plaza\u2019s standout features is its carousel, styled after the 1930s. <\/p>\n
“People come from far and wide just to ride the carousel. It’s a great spot for graduation photos. We have brides in wedding dresses that like to get their photos taken on the carousel, because why not? It’s whimsical,” said Matthew Hileman, director of operations and visitor engagement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. <\/p>\n
Hileman highlighted the enduring appeal of carousels. <\/p>\n
“That carousels really are timeless. Right? Here we are, 2026. People still like to ride the carousel. Get excited about it,” he said. <\/p>\n
The plaza has become a draw for students, families, and those considering making Pittsburgh their home. <\/p>\n
“I think most people can’t picture Oakland without Schenley Plaza. It’s a draw for students, a draw for families and people who are considering making Pittsburgh their home,” Wenk said. <\/p>\n
To mark its 20th anniversary, Schenley Plaza will host a “20th Birthday Jubilee” on July 25. The event will include free carousel rides, vendors, face painting, balloon artists, and horse and carriage rides. <\/p>\n
“That’s going to be the Plaza’s 20th birthday party essentially. We’ll have the carousel running for free, carriage rides, various vendors, face painting, balloon artists. So really something for everyone to come enjoy,” Wenk said. <\/p>\n