Sports and Recreation

     That Pittsburghers are avid sports lovers is well known from the citywide celebrations that followed all the Steelers' Super Bowl victories and the Penguin's Stanley Cup victories. However, the city offers abundant and convenient opportunities for recreational pursuits as well; nearly every imaginable sport or recreational pastime is available. Boating is very popular on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
     The focus for much recreation is the city and county parks. Frick, Highland and Schenley parks offer ball fields, tennis courts, golf courses and trails for bicycling and hiking. In winter, golf courses and hilly areas are popular for cross-country skiing. Information about facilities and current activities in the city parks can be obtained from the City Parks and Recreation Department; phone (412) 255-2539.
     Allegheny County's North and South parks have plenty of the above activities as well as swimming pools, nearby bicycle rentals and ice skating in winter, the county fairgrounds (South Park) and game preserves. In addition, North Park's lake offers fishing, boating and boat rentals. For more information about county park programs and activities contact Allegheny County Parks; phone (412) 350-2455.
     Bicycling devotees have the advantage of a city bicycle route that links Highland, Mellon, Frick and Schenley parks. The City Parks and Recreation Department can provide route information; phone (412) 255-2539. Riverview Park on the city's North Side features hiking trails and the Allegheny Observatory, an astronomy research center. Tours are offered April through October; phone (412) 321-2400.
     In addition to the courses in the parks, golf is available at a number of excellent public courses; consult the telephone directory for listings. Also inquire at your hotel, for some might have a reciprocal golf club agreement for their guests with one of the local private or semiprivate courses.
     Hiking is popular, as the number of hiking groups and programs attest. The Sierra Club can furnish information about hiking, canoeing and camping in the area. In winter many of the city's hiking paths become ski trails. Besides the cross-country skiing provided by the city and county park areas, Allegheny County's Boyce Park, on Old Frankstown Road in Plum Borough, offers a downhill ski area with four tows, a snow-making machine, instruction and equipment rental. Equipment also can be rented at several ski shops, some of which also arrange ski trips and tours; check the telephone directory.
     Horseback riding is available at various locations; stables and riding academies are listed in the local telephone directory. Those who would rather watch equines than ride one can go to the harness races at The Meadows 25 miles south of Pittsburgh, where live harness racing is held year-round; for more information phone (724) 225-9300 or (412) 563-1224 in Pittsburgh. There is Thoroughbred racing throughout the year at Mountaineer Park near Chester, W.Va., about an hour from Pittsburgh; phone (304) 387-2400.
     Among the swimming pools in Allegheny County, those in Boyce, Settler's Cabin and South Park provide waves for those who yearn for the surf. The fee is $4; ages 6-17, $3; under 6, $1. Swimmers can choose a pool with or without waves.
     The county has 78 tennis courts; the city operates large complexes in Frick, Highland, McKinley, Mellon and Schenley parks. Courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Because some require permits, it is a good idea to check with the city or county parks departments first; phone (412) 244-4188 or (412) 350-2455, respectively.
     The National Football League's Steelers are popular among football fans; their home games are played at Heinz Field. The Pirates are the stars during the baseball season; they play at PNC Park. Professional hockey is played by the Penguins at the Mellon Arena. College sports also are big attractions, particularly the games played by the University of Pittsburgh's Panthers.