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E.G.D.Beachless in Pittsburgh: The Water Steps
Posted by Jody on May 31, 2013
Pittsburgh’s convenient TPlus light rail service stops very near the Water Steps at Riverfront Park on the city’s North Shore. That little gem of knowledge clinched my decision to tote a 6 & a 4 year old to the Northside last week for a break from the ennui of our Downtown hotel. The “Water Steps” is actually an impressive fountain consisting of 500 blocks of Pennsylvania’s Butler County sandstone along with shallow pools formed by the cascading water. The water first spills over a 4-foot waterfall before tumbling down, around, over, and through the staggered, multilevel steps. The expansive sloping lawn next to the Water Steps serves as a make-believe beach scene, with scantily clad folks stretching out on towels and blankets to relax and soak up the sunshine.
Tour Boats Pass by the Water Steps on the Allegheny River
I found out about the Water Steps from the Pittsburgh Official Visitor’s Guide, which urged the out-of-towner to “play in the water steps near Heinz Field.” From that (and the very inviting full-page photo) I knew it was a family friendly oasis. Once we arrived, it was pretty easy to see that many other families were regular day visitors to this lovely flowing fountain fronting the Allegheny River. The two little ones had an absolute blast playing and splashing in the water, hopping from level to level with their new found friends. As the morning progressed, older kids and adults came to laze around and cool off, too.
Duck Tours Pass by the Water Steps on the Riverwalk
I didn’t know this before our visit, but there are no nearby washroom facilities or changing areas at the Water Steps. That certainly began to concern me as the fountain filled up with people of all ages, some accompanied by their furry four footed family members! It also made for some pretty fancy maneuvering to get the kids changed out of their wet clothes!
The Water Steps
As we prepared to pack up and head back Downtown for lunch, I was pretty surprised to find a sign way high up near the top outside corner of the Water Steps warning people NOT to swim or wade in the water because of the slipperiness of the steps.
WHAT?
Is this eye-catching fountain just an attractive riverside water feature or is it an an interactive urban splash and play pond? It really doesn’t seem to matter!
Show and Tell: Where do you head for some waterside fun in your favorite beachless town?
~~~
Helpful links for other beach-starved visitors to Pittsburgh:
Notable fountains outside Downtown Pittsburgh
roythoman said
Pretty cool! I have been to Pitt a few times and didn’t know about this place.
Jody said
What a great find! It’s right near PNC Park.
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nutsfortreasure said
YIKES I can imagine how slippery unless they use bleach 🙂
Jody said
I did have water shoes on the kids and they seemed to do just fine, but others were barefoot. I didn’t see anybody slip and fall. I’m not sure how the water is treated though.
nutsfortreasure said
Man that sure is a city way to chill 🙂 clever though 🙂
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Patty B said
When did they put that in, it has been years since we have been to Station Square and do not remember the water stairs. We always loved the fountains when they had them “dancing” to the music.
Jody said
I’m not sure when the Water Steps were installed but it’s in the North Shore. Station Square, with the dancing fountain, is on the South Shore. Confusing, no? 🙂
Patty B said
yes indeed very confusing but then that is Pittsburgh! But I love it. 😉
Jody said
Me too! 🙂
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underatopazsky said
That’s wonderful – how can you resist paddling in it on a hot day. There’s a similar idea at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and I don’t know anyone who can resist that either!!
Jody said
The kids had such fun! In fact, kids of all ages were having a blast!
Jody said
I’ll have to take a closer look! I found this on the Chatsworth website: “The famous waterworks include the 300 year old Cascade, the trough waterfall in the rockery and the enormous gravity-fed Emperor fountain.” ~ but, sadly I didn’t see any pictures! It does sound like fun! http://www.chatsworth.org/attractions/garden
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