Potential Directions

While we had a really interesting time walking around the business district and residential parts of Regent square as a group, it was hard for us to identify problems or experiences for which we could create services. We were really inclined to carry forward our idea of sharing stories from the previous sprints, and wanted to see if the same idea could be expanded in the context of a city.

In order to gain a better insight into the life at Regent Square, we talked to three long term residents who talked about their experiences — good and bad. These conversations gave us great starting points to think about.

Bureaucracy due to three different municipalities

Regent square is a neighborhood that includes portions of the municipalities of Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Swissvale and Wilkinsburg.

Drainage Problems

Regent square has recently started experiencing a lot of drainage problems, and these have not been addressed.

Common usage of the park

The park, playground, Wilkins School, and the Edgewood Town Center are shared with the rest of Swissvale and Wilkinsburg.

The 5K as potential for intermixing

Run Around The Square- This is one annual event that residents of Regent Square value; It runs through neighborhood streets and ends in Frick Park.

Yearly yard sale

In the spring, Regent Square hosts community-wide yearly garage/yard sales that are large and publicized. Residents all over Pittsburgh attend this event, which is hosted by the RSCA. We might be able to expand on our story-sharing concept to the yard sale interactions, develop a service that facilitates the sale (for example, helping visitors find houses/items).

Influx of new residents — Block parties

Regent Square is made up of many new residents as well as those that have been there for decades. In addition, many block parties go on in the neighborhood. A potential idea is to connect new residents with older residents through a food tour or block party “exchange” program.

Community of dog owners

We noticed many people walking their dogs, and confirmed that there are many dog owners living there.

Row houses — transformation over time

The theatre as a space for sharing videos and stories

Nine Mile Run Restoration project

Walkability

The four municipalities that make up Regent Square do not communicate well, and their tax bases vary widely. One result of this is that sidewalks can be very uneven, and pedestrians have difficulty crossing the on ramp to the highway, which is one of their biggest safety concerns.