South Park
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<Click Here for a Map of South Park> South Park is one of the four County Parks, along with North Park, Boyce Park and Settlers Cabin Park. South Park is located on Route 88 and borders the communities of Library, Castle Shannon, Curry and South Park. It is only a short drive from Brookline and offers a wide variety of recreational facilities. The park was established during the Great Depression and was carved out of the hills by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), one of President Roosevelt's federal programs to put people back to work. The results were magnificent, and today the park is full of long scenic drives, rustic picnic groves, and several beautiful memorials. Among the many recreational attractions at South Park are the skating rink, a roller-blade park, miniature golf course, tennis courts, several playgrounds, walking and bike trails, pony rides, both nine and eighteen hole regulation golf courses, and the wave pool. Their is also a large fairgrounds complex with ballfields, a race track, and outlying structures. Then there are the many picnic groves that are nestled in the trees along the winding road network. Finally, there are several larger lodges that are available for large gatherings. During its long history, South Park has undergone several changes. Most notably, during the late 1960s, an automated mass transit project known as Skybus was in development. In the early 1970s the Skybus Automated People Mover (APM) system was tested in South Park and an experimental track was built along Corrigan Drive. The test ended in May of 1972 and the Skybus program came to a halt. For several years the rusting rails remained along Corrigan Drive and around the Fairgrounds complex. Many old-timers were dismayed by the park areas compromised to build the elevated guideway. Eventually the remnants of Skybus were removed. Decades later, Skybus is now hailed as a major transportation breakthrough, and the South Park trials ushered in a revolutionary technology that is seen as a historic Pittsburgh achievement. For many years the South Park Fairgrounds has been host to the Allegheny County Fair. The fair is loaded with activities for young and old alike, and the many exhibits, including the animals, are quite interesting. |