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, enjoy the outdoors” and can “be themselves.” Multiple speakers said the site hosts skaters, roller skaters, BMX and scooter riders and that events such as back‑to‑school and Halloween jams bring families and neighbors together.

Several speakers described hands‑on skills training that takes place at pours and build days. “Every concrete pour brings anywhere from 10 to 40 volunteers,” AJ Hadden said; other testimony described participants learning cement work, woodworking and event organization.

Speakers who identified as neighborhood residents also urged accommodation for Panther Hollow’s Italian‑American history. Max Gonzalez, who said he serves on the Pittsburgh 2050 comprehensive plan community working group, suggested ways to blend uses: bocce courts, interpretive signage or commemorative elements. Brianna Jimenez told council the skate community “is not trying to erase the history or disrespect the Italian heritage of Panther Hollow” and proposed that a plaque or memorial could connect the neighborhood’s past with the park’s present.

Not every speaker agreed the site should remain unchanged: testimony from longtime Panther Hollow residents submitted across meetings and in public comment urged more notice to neighbors and offered examples of nuisance concerns. Carlino Giampolo, who identified himself as a longtime Panther Hollow resident and community advocate, said residents were not given notice when the playground was renamed and called for solutions that respect neighborhood history; he urged “remove the illegal skate park, and build two bocce courts” or similar features in its place.

Council members who spoke after public comment acknowledged the tension and the volume of testimony. Councilman Lavelle (president) and other members said the testimony showed strong local engagement; Lavelle said he would convene follow‑up conversations and he mentioned park improvements such as signage and plaques as possible compromises. Department of Public Works staff present were reported by speakers to have worked with park volunteers on maintenance and safety.

Why it matters: supporters told council that the DIY park provides low‑cost recreation, volunteer training and social supports—advantages they said are especially valuable in a city with few free, accessible skate facilities. Opponents raised concerns about neighborhood notice, noise and respect for historical identity; some asked for formal recognition of Panther Hollow’s Italian‑American heritage in any future plan for the site.

Meeting context and next steps: more than 50 people signed up to speak on the subject and the council record shows broad community engagement during the public comment period. Several speakers said the site was officially named Oakland DIY on June 17 (a detail disputed by others who said they received no notice). Council members invited further talks between neighbors, parks staff and the skate community; no formal council action on the park was taken at the Sept. 3 meeting.

Ending: supporters asked council to treat the site as a public amenity to be maintained and improved rather than removed; neighbors asked for formal engagement and recognition of local history. Council members said they would pursue follow‑up conversations so the city, residents and park volunteers can explore mutually acceptable options.