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Two people, one using a wheelchair, stand on the trail in front of a park pavilion. A sign says,

John Altdorfer / Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Outdoor discovery area in the meadow, with sign saying
Raised forest floor
Observation deck
A person sits on a large wood bench looking into the forest beyond.

John Altdorfer / Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

An adult and child pour pebbles into the pebble harp in the forest.

John Altdorfer / Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Images of the timber fort and a park pavilion and garden kaleidoscope.
People look into the garden kaleidoscope

John Altdorfer / Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Frick Environmental Center Sensory Nature Trail

Pittsburgh, PA

Pashek+MTR designed inclusive sensory experiences within the woods and meadows adjacent to the Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh’s Frick Park. Visitors of all ages and physical/cognitive abilities are encouraged to explore, touch, listen and connect with the wonders of the natural world along accessible paths and trails.

  • The Outdoor Discovery Space consists of two shaded gathering spaces at the edge of the meadow and the woods, with inclusive sensory elements such as a wheelchair accessible mud kitchen, garden kaleidoscope, and timber fort for imaginative play. This space is used heavily for nature education programs.
  • The Sensory Nature Trail invites visitors to explore the wooded hillside adjacent to the Frick Environmental Center via an accessible trail. Sensory elements along the trail include a raised forest floor, a pebble harp station to create gentle sounds, and several resting areas with benches. Each element was designed to provide multiple means of engagement for people with various abilities.
  • The beloved Observation Deck with its tree-top vantage point was renovated with new decking, railing, and seating.
Client Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Overview Accessible outdoor discovery space and sensory nature trail
Program Shade pavilions, garden kaleidoscope, timber fort, accessible mud kitchen, accessible trails, raised forest floor, pebble harp, resting areas, observation deck.
Sustainability Subsurface stormwater detention, tree preservation, native plants
Services Site inventory and analysis, community engagement, concept design, construction documents, permitting, costing
Awards PA Chapter of the American Planning Association, Great Places Award, 2025

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