(A guest post from the office of Mayor Ravenstahl)

Dear Neighbors,

Recreation remains an essential component of Pittsburgh’s outstanding quality of life. Those of us who live in Pittsburgh are fortunate to have many urban parks and green spaces with plenty of free and low-cost activities available to keep our families busy all summer long.

Our Citiparks offer a variety of events, activities, and competitions. This summer I invite you to come out and get creative with the Roving Art Cart, pack a picnic, and enjoy a free movie night with friends and family. Or get into the competitive spirit for a match at the Mellon Park Tennis Center!

Pick up a copy of the free “Citiparks Summer Magazine” and begin planning an action-packed summer. The 60-page booklet showcases the 2011 schedule of events for community festivals, movies, footraces, farmers’ markets, and more. It also allows for quick reference concerning the facilities’ locations and phone numbers.

Consider this booklet to be a City resident’s official “user’s guide” for summer.

Print copies of the Summer Magazine are available at Citiparks facilities, such as pools and community recreation centers, as well as at the 3-1-1 Center in the City-County Building. Thanks to a variety of community partnerships, the booklet is also available at Carnegie Library branches within the City limits, the Schenley Park Visitor Center, and the VisitPittsburgh welcome center on Liberty Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh.

For your convenience, these schedules and resources for Citiparks programs and events – in addition to the Summer Magazine posted as a printable document – are available online by visiting the Citiparks website.

Note:  The PHCA office also has copies of the Summer Magazine — stop in to say hello, and pick one up.  And don’t forget — the West Penn pool opens on Thursday the 16th!