PITT INFORMAL PROGRAM OFFERS COURSE ON SCHENLEY PLAZA

PITTSBURGH, May 24 -- In the wake of much public discussion on what improvements should be made to Oakland, the Pitt Informal Program (PIP), based at the University of Pittsburgh, is offering a one-day course on how Schenley Plaza could be transformed from a parking lot to a leafy gathering place and entrance to Schenley Park.

The non-credit class, called "Schenley Plaza: A Great Pittsburgh Space," will be held on the Pitt campus on June 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fee is $24. Call 412-648-2560 to register.

Barry Hannegan, director of Historic Landscape Preservation at the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, will offer an illustrated lecture and a walking tour of Schenley Plaza, which is situated between Pitt's Hillman Library and Carnegie Library. Class participants will be encouraged to join the discussion about the area's past glories, its present use, and plans for any future design.

Hannegan was part of a team that recently presented a Schenley Plaza proposal to Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy. The plan calls for the addition of trees, shrubs, and benches in the Plaza, and the elimination of more than

200 parking spaces.

The Pitt Informal Program offers a wide array of non-credit classes,

including astronomy, music, languages, writing, financial planning, and personal development.

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