Aspinwall Riverfront Park just got a lot more lovely. The park is displaying a large LOVE sign and two large painted hearts, and the public is invited to stop by and take pictures with family and friends!

The installation is the first in a series public art projects that will be featured at the park this spring. The project is supported through the generosity of The Dave and Beth Short Family Foundation.

The words “LOVE” are placed in front of the park’s playground sculpture near the park’s entry. Two large painted wooden hearts are placed in West Park as well as in Boo Boo and Tiger’s Playground, the park’s off leash dog park, so that people can take pictures with their children and dogs with the art.

“So many kids enjoy taking pictures for Instagram at the park that we thought it would be fun to involve them in creating this public art for all to enjoy,” said Aspinwall Riverfront Park’s Founder and Executive Director Susan Crookston. “In this challenging and contentious year, our world could use more love and beauty.”

Teacher Joe Gass’ Tech Ed students designed the seven-and-a-half foot letters and two large hearts on the computer, and cut them out using a router. Fox Chapel juniors Emily Hook, Elizabeth Crookston and sophomore Eleanor Fox painted the letters, with Elizabeth designing three of the letters to look three-dimensional.

“I’m glad that I was able to help work on this project, and I hope seeing the sign will help brighten other people’s days,” said Emily.

“We’re excited to bring some more color into Pittsburgh’s gray winter and look forward to seeing people’s pictures,” added Crookston.

In addition to the new art piece, Aspinwall Riverfront Park features a playground sculpture by world renowned artist Tom Otterness, a sled riding hill, off-leash dog park, a fishing dock with hanging swings, walking trails, and native gardens. During the summer, it offers a café, marina, kayak rentals, music, theater, a free concert series, summer camps and more to the public. It is located at 285 River Avenue in Aspinwall.

To submit your pictures, email them to [email protected] or send them to the park via Facebook or Instagram. To volunteer to help with the next public art project, email the park at [email protected].