Hundreds of residents, students and skaters urge Pittsburgh City Council to preserve Oakland DIY skate park in Panther Hollow

Dozens of speakers at the Sept. 3 Pittsburgh City Council meeting urged the city to preserve the Oakland DIY skate park in Panther Hollow, telling council the volunteer-built site provides free recreation, volunteer training and community for people of all ages.

Speakers described the site as a grassroots project started by local volunteers that has grown into a community hub used by students, families and visitors. AJ Hadden, identified in testimony as “lead of operations at the Oakland DIY Skate Park” and a senior mechanical engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh, said, “What started as a grassroots effort has grown into something recognized across the country.” He told council the park’s Instagram outreach has reached roughly 137,000 views and that each concrete pour draws 10 to 40 volunteers, including professional tradespeople and neighborhood residents.

Proponents emphasized the park’s inclusive character and mental‑health benefits. Stuart Baller, a 9‑year Air Force veteran and Pitt environmental studies student, said the park is “a sanctuary” where “they meet new people,…