A few weeks ago, I went with Brian and Trish to the Idea Round Up [1] event hosted by the Sprout Fund [2] here in Pittsburgh. At the event, they pledged $100,000 USD directly towards ideas contributed during the day's sessions. I proposed building a climbing wall on an old bridge pier in front of the Steelers stadium, and it made it into the final round of ideas that were presented to all 300 attendees. The idea write up can be found here [3].

Shortly after, I received a call from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [4] newspaper, asking to run a forum or editorial piece about my idea. Here is the story that I contributed, and that was printed on September 17, 2006.

[4]

Climbing Wall on Manchester Bridge Pier

Before I moved here three years ago, I did not think Pittsburgh had a reputation for being a place that promotes fitness and physical activity. But I have since been pleasantly surprised to find a growing access to the trails and rivers surrounding the area for walking, biking and kayaking. During one bike trip along one of these trails in the North Shore Riverfront Park, my friend and I noticed an old bridge pier. Longtime residents will know it well: the late, ornate Manchester Bridge, which linked the North Side with Downtown at the Point.

The bridge was demolished in 1970 and the sandstone rock on the pier has turned black over time. But now both sides of the river have developed into hotspots for Pittsburghers to exercise and stay healthy (and of course, watch the Steelers and Pirates win!).

I propose that we build a public access climbing wall on that old bridge pier. The cost of the project would be very low. Local rock climbers (and I am one of them) are excited to help create and maintain the site. The work would be to clean up the site and place protection bolts into the pier so that it would be a safe climbing environment.

This project would open up the area to another form of exercise for people to enjoy. I believe it would interest people and attract them to our parks and city. During special events such as Steelers games or the Regatta, people from the local climbing clubs and outdoor stores could come out and set up ropes so that anyone can give it a try.

This project could attract national attention, especially during broadcasts from games in the city. By turning this reminder of the city’s past into something new and exciting, we can promote physical activity and improve Pittsburgh’s reputation as a great place to live, work and play.

— Sid Wiesner