Gary rediscovers daily a place that lives in his memories
Gary Wimer has collected a lifetime of memories on this slice of the Allegheny River. In the 1960s, when Aspinwall’s riverfront was basically an industrial scrapyard with a dock there was nothing Gary and his eight siblings loved more than a day fishing and cruising on his dad’s boat, Kids-A-Plenty.
Gary is reminded of happy times swimming off the dock, and of daring river adventures with siblings and friends. Later, the riverfront became a notorious hangout for a teenage Gary and his friends looking for a little rebellion right here in Aspinwall. Gary brought girlfriends here for romantic dates. And when he became a husband and father, Gary introduced his own son to his favorite (secret) fishing spot.
These days, Gary walks his dog Daisy at the park almost every day. In the quiet of the early mornings he loves most, Gary shares the riverfront with deer, beaver, and the echoes of his indelible memories on this stretch of river. When asked about the park’s impact on his life, Gary’s response is quick and simple: “Joy.”
