Arsenal Park

Arsenal Park is a 9-acre public park located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The park sits on the former site of the Allegheny Arsenal, which played a crucial role during the American Civil War as a supply and manufacturing center for the Union Army.

Established in 1907, Arsenal Park preserves elements of its historical past while serving as a modern recreational space for the community. The park features remnants of the old arsenal, including sections of the original stone wall that once surrounded the facility and a powder magazine that has been converted into a maintenance shed.

The park's history is marked by a tragic event that occurred on September 17, 1862, when an explosion at the arsenal killed 78 workers, mostly young women. This incident remains the worst civilian disaster of the Civil War. Today, the site of the explosion is located within the park's ballfield area.

Arsenal Park offers a mix of recreational facilities and green spaces for visitors to enjoy. The park's layout includes winding paths suitable for walking and jogging, making it popular among local residents and dog walkers. Families often utilize the playground area and open grassy spaces for leisure activities.

As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the space, a master plan was proposed in 2015 to enhance the park's features while better incorporating its rich history. Renovations have been underway to improve various aspects of the park, including the addition of new amenities and the restoration of historical elements.