By Marcia Liggett
Historic Fairview Park (HFP) is continuing its year-long 75th anniversary celebration and fundraising campaign. Current board president Anita Jackson Lowe, affectionately known as Ms. Anita explained that the second part of the intense fundraising effort, the Black Diamond Gala 1945 May Day Affair scheduled for May 16, 2020 unfortunately was cancelled due to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) outbreak. May Day Affairs had been the parks biggest fundraisers during its heyday. Famed African American Pittsburgh photographer Teeny Harris was among attendees and photographed many of the HFP events.
The park was established in 1945 by a group of interfaith Sunday school superintendents as a safe place for African Americans in the region to fellowship, as segregation prohibited them from socializing at many venues, including Kennywood Park’s dancehall and iconic swimming pool. It is believed to be the oldest African American owned and operated park east of the Mississippi (if not in the entire United States) and is on both the Pennsylvania and National Historic Registries. Today Historic Fairview Park proudly continues to offer a scenic, peaceful, spacious location for families and organizations of any race to rent and socialize.
A colossal part of HFP’s 75th celebration is the “Triple R” vision. Restoration, Renovation, and Revitalization includes restoring the current barn, expanding the current park footprint, building a multipurpose facility and amphitheater, among other planned expansion efforts. This non-profit, 501c3 is in desperate need of volunteers for (but not limited to) website maintenance, a historian, ground maintenance, fundraising, etc. As with any park, HFP must be maintained and funded in order to continue to serve as a treasured gem in the community. The volunteer board of directors faithfully cut the grass and maintain the land, longing to engage the younger generation in these efforts with hopes that they will continue to preserve this hallowed ground.
HFP is facing a critical challenge, which requires immediate assistance. “We are in desperate need of a commercial tractor so we can maintain the park. Without the tractor, there is no park,” explained Ms. Anita. HFP survives solely on donations and shelter rentals, however they do not generate enough revenue to purchase a new tractor. The board consists of dedicated unpaid workers who work tirelessly year-round to preserve this precious piece of African American history.
With the unexpected cancellation of the gala HFP needs donations more than ever before. Ms. Anita asks that those who intended to attend the gala still donate the cost of their ticket or more if possible. Donations are always welcome via PayPal at: paypal.me/historicfairviewpark. Facebook page: Historic Fairview Park, at historicfairviewpark.com, or by contacting the park at: 412-553-6450 (email: fairviewpark1930@gmail.com). Check HFP’s Facebook page for an upcoming crowdsourcing fundraising project and to see an in-depth video about HFP’s history.
The Summer edition of the Soul Pitt Quarterly Magazine will have details about the annual old-fashioned picnic, to be held Saturday, August 15, noon to 6:00 PM at HFP. The celebration includes honoring Mrs. Dolores Mason with the 75th Anniversary Legacy Award.
HFP thanks you in advance for your continued support and tax-deductible donations!
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Marcia Liggett, CEO of Marcia Liggett Enterprises is a highly skilled freelance writer, award winning balloon artist (ambersballoons.com), and certified Family Group Decision Making co-facilitator. She is the proud “momager” of Meteorologist Amber Liggett, CEO of Amber’s Amazing Animal Balloons (amberliggett.com) and Rob Liggett (photographer FB: Robert Liggett). Specializing in event planning, social media and community relations, Marcia can be reached at 724-728-5134, mhliggett@gmail.com, or www.mliggett.weebly.com.
