RAD Board Approves Historic Investments in Parks and Trails for 2026

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Regional parks and trails throughout Allegheny County are slated to receive significant public investments in 2026.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) Board approved a $147.9 million budget Thursday, authorizing a record $55.7 million for green spaces that are free and open to the public year-round, representing a 27% increase from the current year’s budget. RAD’s boost in parks & trails funding reflects a one-time significant increase in capital funding designated for our parks, providing more than $13.8 million for improvements to the 15,000+ acres that cover all corners of the county.

“Our region’s parks and trails are true green gems, and we are providing generous support so the stewards of these Regional Assets have the means to keep them in top shape,” said Dusty Kirk, RAD Board Chair. “Over the last five years, our residents have voted with their feet in making more trips to the parks, and our latest budget reflects the extra TLC that these parks require.”

More than two dozen parks and trails will receive RAD support in the coming year, from popular destinations like North Park and Schenley Park to large green spaces like Settlers Cabin Park and Renziehausen Park.

RAD’s focus on free-to-enjoy Regional Assets extends to the public libraries of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, which will see $40 million in funding for 2026, as RAD continues to be the largest financial supporter of libraries in the region.

Combine the support for regional parks, trails and libraries together, and Regional Assets that are free and accessible year-round comprise more than 64% of RAD’s 2026 budget.

“RAD is for everyone, and our budget for next year proves it,” said Rich Hudic, RAD Executive Director. “The parks and libraries have taken on higher costs in recent years, and we’re fortunate to have the resources to provide a steady, predictable and growing source of funding for these places.”

RAD’s budget will be supported by an estimated $135 million in new sales tax revenue for 2026, with the balance filled by RAD’s interest earnings and strategic reserves. All grants proposed in the RAD preliminary budget have been retained, and more funding has been allocated for additional operating grants and capital improvements.

In all, 107 organizations will receive operating grants from RAD in 2026, including three new organizations that will join RAD’s growing, diverse landscape of Arts & Culture grantees: Alumni Theater Company ($3,000), the Moonshot Museum ($5,000) and Texture Contemporary Ballet ($4,500).

RAD will also provide $18.2 million in capital grants, including these allocations of $200,000+:

• $9.5 million for the nine Allegheny County Parks to undergo repairs and upgrades – with the largest outlays for roof replacements, infrastructure repairs, new playground equipment, new restrooms, shelter upgrades and designs for future park renovations
  
  
• $2.7 million for the City of Pittsburgh’s Regional Parks, including protected bike lanes and shared-use paths in Schenley Park, road improvements in Riverview Park, a geotechnical engineering study in Emerald View Park, and other projects
  
  
• $1.1 million for the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to make accessibility improvements, replace HVAC, replace boardwalk at Kids Kingdom, and purchase other maintenance equipment
  
  
• $750,000 for the National Aviary to renovate its veterinary hospital
  
  
• $750,000 for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to replace steam pipes in its west wing
  
  
• $750,000 for Riverlife to make improvements to Allegheny Landing on the North Shore
  
  
• $500,000 for Renziehausen Park to improve its tennis courts
  
  
• $405,785 for the Senator John Heinz History Center to conduct window and lighting replacement for energy efficiency
  
  
• $330,000 for Rivers of Steel to support construction on the AC Power House Events Center at the Carrie Blast Furnaces
  
  
• $215,600 for the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to install security upgrades
  
  
• $202,274 for Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum to repair and improve an adjacent parking lot

In addition, the RAD Board approved $750,000 toward Project Grants in 2026, from which Regional Assets can apply for Connection Grants and Accessibility & Inclusion Grants throughout the coming year. A total of $1.5 million has been budgeted for Partnerships & Initiatives, which includes support for opportunities via RAD Pass: Year-Round Fun for Everyone, the popular free-admission program that has seen a 21% increase in bookings compared to the same timeframe last year.

The full RAD budget for 2026 can be viewed here: radworkshere.org/rad-budget-2026