A Front Yard for All: The Grand Opening of Allegheny RiverTrail Park’s Expansion
By Tina Tuminella
May 14, 2024
“Other duties as assigned” is par for the course for Tony Miga, director of operations at Allegheny RiverTrail Park (ARP), a public park managed by an independent, nonprofit organization. Thanks to the nonprofit’s hard work, ARP successfully provides free public access to parkland and multi-use trails that stretch alongside a Aspinwall–Sharpsburg section of the Allegheny River. The park is not supported by taxpayer dollars,which is why fundraising is crucial to the park’s existence. Tony likens the organization to a public radio station, which provides a service to the community using donations from community members and benefactors. He notes that “not too many parks operate in this way.” On any given Tuesday, Tony can be found rustproofing the docks, consulting a bride about her wedding or even scheduling Geese Police maintenance (dogs used to discourage geese from overtaking the park).
With events on June 7 and 8, the park will celebrate the grand opening of The Front Yard, which highlights the more than 6 acres of parkland and trails acquired in 2021. Visitors now have access to a mile and a half of a walking/running/biking trail. This new expansion brings the river to the forefront and highlights the natural beauty of the riverfront.
