The Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers offer miles of scenic waterfront land in the Pittsburgh area; Friends of the Riverfront has been working for over 20 years to help increase the awareness and engagement of the region’s rivers and riverfronts.
Friends of the Riverfront has been involved in the building, maintaining and expanding of both the 25-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail system and the Three Rivers Water Trail system, which offers 20 public river access points for canoers and kayakers. Over 2,000 volunteers help to maintain the trails each year. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail system has segments on both banks of Pittsburgh’s three rivers with access to city neighborhoods, business districts, and local attractions. Along the trail, signs mark the significant places, historical events, and native wildlife for runners, bikers and walkers to enjoy.
Friends of the Riverfront hosts the Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race each year, which brings triathletes from all over the region and county. The triathlon takes place on the North Shore and highlights the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Three Rivers Water Trail.
“The interpretive signs such as the most recently completed “Lost Cyclist” sign that tells the story of Frank Lenz are probably my favorite projects,” said Sarah Carr, Program Manager of Friends of the River Front. “We currently have 37 Interpretive Signs that are placed along all sections of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and tell stories of unique Pittsburgh history. The location of each sign along the trail is significant, calling attention to the past inhabitants (often steel mills or other industrial structures) that used to occupy the land now used for trail.”
Friends of the Riverfront worked with Pannier on numerous wayfinding and interpretative projects over the past four years. Pannier’s Fiberglass Embedded panels were perfect for the trail, which sees all four seasons, due to its ability to withstand the elements of the weather.
“We’ve had a great experience working with Pannier,” said Carr. “Proofs and product delivery is always on time, and Pannier keeps us informed as our order is in production. We have been consistently pleased with the finished product.”