At ARP, we are committed to creating a place where families gather, neighbors meet, and both kids and adults run freely in a safe, beautiful outdoor space. But behind every day of safe, joyful play is the quiet, essential work of our park staff: the people who make sure every visit begins with care.
As our team expands, we want to introduce you to 3 passionate team members who are keeping ARP safe – and who donor support directly sustains.
Meet Annie
Before joining ARP as a Park Operations Assistant, she worked as a Program Manager for Repair the World Pittsburgh, where she facilitated weekly service-learning projects for young adults and trained volunteers to make an impact through local nonprofit service. Originally from Michigan, she’s called Pittsburgh home for the past ten years.
Outside of work, you can find her gardening, running along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, rearranging her 150 houseplants, or baking something sweet. She started at ARP in late October 2025 and now helps steward the park’s landscapes and event spaces to keep everything healthy, welcoming, and running smoothly.
“I’m most excited to support the native landscapes and garden habitats for people and pollinators to enjoy,” she says. “ARP is an incredible community asset, providing access to outdoor recreation, social connection, and space for public programming. I’m thrilled by the opportunity to continue building my knowledge base around plants and environmental stewardship.”
Meet Des
Before stepping into the nonprofit world, Des worked as a materials officer and project coordinator in construction.
Raised between Pittsburgh and Taipei, both cities shaped his sense of belonging. Des is deeply social, passionate about building connections, and many of his hobbies revolve around martial arts – from tai chi and kung fu to Muay Thai and kickboxing. He teaches a kung fu and rhythm class at a Chinese language & culture school on Sundays!
At ARP, he helps keep the park clean, welcoming, and running smoothly. He’s excited to support a place that brings nature, green space, and community together in the heart of the city.
Des says, “My hope is to become involved with the park’s urban ecology strategies as well as the community outreach and volunteer programs that exist and can expand here.”
Meet Justin
Originally from Rutland, Vermont, Justin recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Environmental Studies. Before joining ARP, he worked as a host at Church Brew Works. Now, he’s helping keep our park running smoothly and looking its best! Outside of work, you can find Justin watching movies, playing tennis with friends, or exploring new corners of the city.
“I’m excited to help give the Aspinwall community an enjoyable experience at the park and to learn from my peers and visitors,” Justin says. “ARP’s mission of providing free access to parkland to the community is very powerful to me. Having a space where the community can get in touch with nature and enjoy something that they might not usually be able to enjoy is great, and I hope more people continue to learn and explore this park as time goes on”
Annie, Des, and Justin—and the rest of our team—are the everyday stewards who inspect equipment, clean and repair facilities, protect our green spaces, and ensure that every visitor has a safe, welcoming place to play. Say hi next tme you’re at the park!
