Community Design Lab

Are you interested in getting involved in  the future of vacant land in Wilkinsburg? Community Design Lab is an intergenerational program where Wilkinsburg residents will work together to learn about vacant land, environmental design, community engagement, and co-design while developing a community-informed plan for a local greenspace.

The program will bring together a small group of Wilkinsburg residents in 3 age groups: 16-21, 22-40, and 40+. Participants will attend 11 sessions from November 2026 through July 2027. Most months will include one session, with two sessions held in March and May. Participants will receive stipends for their participation and each meeting will include a shared meal. Applicants must be residents of Wilkinsburg and 16 or older.

APPLY HERE!

Year 1 focuses entirely on learning, collaboration, planning, and design; no physical site implementation will occur during this program year. Please note: all adult participants in this program must show or complete proper clearances for working with youth in the State of Pennsylvania: FBI fingerprint, PATCH, and PA child abuse. 

Primary Program Location: Community Forge (1256 Franklin Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221)

Orientation and Intro Sessions (required for participation):

Thursday Nov 12 and Thursday Dec 10

Program Day/Time:

5:30-7:30pm on Thursdays, specific dates to be determined with participants

If you prefer to fill out a paper application instead of submitting online, a completed application can be mailed to Grounded Strategies (6401 Penn Ave 3rd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15206) or completed and returned in person at Community Forge or the Wilkinsburg Public Library.

Questions? email [email protected]