Herrs Island, Pittsburgh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herrs Island
Washington's Landing
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Sub-neighborhood
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Herrs Island from the 31st Street Bridge, with Downtown in the distance.
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 Herrs Island
Location in Pittsburgh neighborhoods
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Allegheny County |
| City | Pittsburgh |
Welcome to Herrs Island, also known as Washington's Landing! This cool spot is an island right in the middle of the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's officially part of the Troy Hill neighborhood.
Contents
A New Beginning for Herrs Island
From Old Factories to a Fresh Start
Once upon a time, Herrs Island was a bit of a mess. Because of all the old factories and businesses, it became what's called a "brownfield site." This means the land was dirty and not safe for people.
By the 1970s, most of these old industries had moved away. So, in the 1980s and 1990s, people decided to give the island a big makeover! They studied how to make it a great place again.
Modern Living and Green Spaces
Today, Herrs Island is a shining example of "urban redevelopment." This means a city area was cleaned up and rebuilt. It's now a "mixed-use community." This means it has many different things all in one place.
You'll find homes like townhouses and places for businesses. There's also a marina for boats and the Three Rivers Rowing Association. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy also has a spot here.
The northern part of Herrs Island has a small park. It features tennis courts, a public lawn, and pretty gardens. A section of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail also goes around the island. This trail is a crushed-gravel path perfect for walking or biking. It offers great views of the Allegheny River!
Head of the Ohio Race
Rowing Fun on the River
Since 1987, Herrs Island and its piers have been the starting point for a big event. It's called the annual Head of the Ohio crew race. "Crew" is another word for rowing.
The Three Rivers Rowing Association keeps its boathouses right on the island. This makes it a perfect place for rowers to train and for races to begin.
