ReClaim the Route: Tactical Urbanism

As a part of an annual partnership with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, GTECH and community partners work to activate one of the over 500 vacant lots along the marathon route. In 2016, GTECH partnered with Phipps Conservatory, Operation Better Block and Repair the World to activate and program a vacant lot along Frankstown Avenue.

On April 23rd, 2016, GTECH partnered with Operation Better Block for their annual Homewood Redd-Up Day. That day volunteers picked up 160 bags of trash as well as three mattresses, numerous tires, and other large pieces of debris from six locations around the neighborhood. Other volunteers assisted with the implementation of our Greening Clusters project near the Mile 18 marker and constructed several elements that were a part of a larger tactical urbanism installation that was be completed on the day of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

To add to the festivities on the day of the Marathon, GTECH worked with Phipps to assemble a bench made of recycled pallets for residents to enjoy the race, constructed a giant “Mile 18” marker made entirely out of native plants and several planting containers that were scattered throughout the Homewood Business District after the race was completed.

Together, we helped Homewood once again be one of the best and most active communities along the Marathon’s 26.2 mile route.