CITY OF PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY WITH NEW ARBORETUM DESIGNATION AT ALLEGHENY COMMONS PARK
Pittsburgh, PA – As the City of Pittsburgh marks its 20th consecutive year as a Tree City USA, the Department of Public Works is proud to announce that Allegheny Commons Park has been formally accredited as a Level I Arboretum by ArbNet, a global network that supports the work of arboreta through professional standards and accreditation.
This prestigious designation recognizes Allegheny Commons Park for its growing collection of tree species, community engagement, and commitment to education, stewardship, and long-term planning. It follows last year’s successful accreditation of Riverview Park, making Allegheny Commons the fourth City-owned park to receive this honor.
The City will commemorate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a community celebration at the Patricia Rooney Memorial Fountain in Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side. The event will include live music, food vendors, and hands-on educational activities—including a tree-climbing experience for children and self-guided tours of the new arboretum. Residents of all ages are encouraged to come out and help celebrate Pittsburgh’s growing urban forest.
“This milestone is about more than just trees—it’s about the health of our neighborhoods, the beauty of our parks, and the strength of our commitment to sustainability,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “Being a Tree City USA for 20 years shows how deeply Pittsburgh values its green spaces, and the ArbNet recognition at Allegheny Commons proves that we are continuing to lead with purpose, partnership, and pride.”
Pittsburgh’s commitment to trees extends far beyond Arbor Day. In addition to its Tree City USA designation through the Arbor Day Foundation, the City supports multiple programs that strengthen the urban tree canopy. Duquesne University also joins the ranks of Tree Campus USA institutions in Pittsburgh, alongside the University of Pittsburgh, Chatham University, and Carnegie Mellon University.
To achieve Level I accreditation through ArbNet, Allegheny Commons Park met the following criteria:
- A collection of at least 25 species of trees or woody plants
- A documented arboretum plan and established planting and maintenance standards
- A dedicated group of staff or volunteers to manage the collection
- Ongoing community education and engagement efforts
“We’re proud to be building a stronger, healthier tree canopy, one neighborhood at a time,” said Forestry Division Supervisor Lisa Ceoffe. “Accrediting our parks as arboreta is one way we demonstrate our long-term investment in both environmental health and public education.”
For more information about Arbor Day events and Pittsburgh’s forestry programs, visit the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Forestry Website.
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