 City of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Honored with Statewide Historic Preservation Award
Rehabilitation of Riverview Park landmark recognized by Preservation Pennsylvania for excellence in historic preservation
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy have received a 2026 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award from Preservation Pennsylvania for the rehabilitation of the Valley Refuge Shelter in Riverview Park.
The project received a Construction Award for Rehabilitation, recognizing exemplary work to preserve Pennsylvania’s historic places while adapting them to serve communities for generations to come. The City and the Parks Conservancy are among 21 individuals, organizations, and projects being recognized across the Commonwealth this year. Award recipients will be honored at the 2026 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards ceremony on September 16 in York, PA.
Originally constructed in the late 1930s through the Works Progress Administration, the Valley Refuge Shelter is one of Riverview Park’s defining landmarks. After decades of deterioration threatened its structural integrity and public use, the City and the Parks Conservancy partnered to restore the shelter, preserving its historic character while improving accessibility, safety, and functionality for today’s park visitors.
The award-winning rehabilitation included historically appropriate masonry restoration; replacement of the deteriorated roof and flashing; restoration of the original flagstone flooring; electrical upgrades; renovated restrooms; accessibility improvements; and the return of essential public amenities. Each element of the project was completed with careful attention to the shelter’s original design and craftsmanship.
“Thanks to our partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, this award recognizes the important investments we make to preserve the history and amenities in our parks,” said Mayor O’Connor. “The Valley Refuge Shelter is a special place where families and communities come together that can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
"This recognition reflects what can be accomplished when public and nonprofit partners come together with a shared commitment to preserving Pittsburgh’s historic parks,” said Catherine Qureshi, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “The Valley Refuge Shelter has always been a special place, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the Shelter restored for the Northside community. We are honored that Preservation Pennsylvania has recognized this project and the collaboration between the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the City of Pittsburgh."
Today, the Valley Refuge Shelter is once again a vibrant community gathering place. It is one of the most frequently rented shelters in Pittsburgh’s park system and serves as the home of the annual Reggae at Riverview festival, which has grown into one of the city’s signature summer events.
"This award is a testament to what can be accomplished with a strong public-private partnership," said Bobby Wilson, Councilman, City of Pittsburgh. "The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has been a tremendous partner for residents of the Northside, investing in projects at both Allegheny Commons and Riverview Park, and I look forward to continuing this relationship. Congratulations to everyone involved!"
The restoration was made possible through a strong public-private partnership, with funding from the City of Pittsburgh’s Parks Tax Trust Fund, a Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and generous private philanthropic support. Together, these investments ensured that one of Pittsburgh’s treasured park landmarks will continue welcoming visitors and strengthening community connections for generations to come.
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