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Transformed Pittsburgh International Airport to Open on Tuesday, Nov. 18

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Transformed Pittsburgh International Airport to Open on Tuesday, Nov. 18


Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is ready to introduce the next chapter in the region’s rich aviation legacy – this time, with a modernized, state-of-the-art terminal focused on Pittsburgh and its passengers.

PIT’s new terminal will officially open to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 18, the culmination of more than a decade of planning, preparation and work – and four years of construction. The opening officially ushers in the next era for the region’s travelers and a new front door for Pittsburgh.

“This is a new day for our region. This is an airport built for Pittsburgh, by Pittsburgh. It improves the passenger experience and ensures this region remains on a global stage,” Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis said. “This terminal is industry-leading from its architecture that reflects our region to amenities like outdoor terraces and a state-of-the-art baggage system to a streamlined security checkpoint.

“The new terminal is emblematic of Pittsburgh’s modern innovation economy.”

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The opening announcement comes after the new terminal and systems went through rigorous testing over the past several months, capped off by two large public trials with more than 2,000 participants providing input and feedback on their experience. Overwhelmingly, participants gave the terminal high marks for design and were impressed with the facility.

Test passengers were helpful in identifying ways to improve the experience, such as modifying security stanchion layout, adding more wayfinding and baggage claim adjustments.

Built for the Pittsburgh of today

The new PIT replaces an outmoded terminal built for a different time and purpose as a US Airways hub designed for connecting passengers.

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The new terminal caps the airport’s transformation to an origin-and-destination airport – one where passengers begin and end their journey in Pittsburgh – that easily accommodates a diversity of airlines and their business needs.

Passengers can expect immediate benefits including:

    • Faster and more streamlined security experience: The new terminal streamlines the security experience into one, consolidated checkpoint with 12 TSA lanes, compared to seven at the main checkpoint today, and eliminates the need for an alternate checkpoint. The new checkpoint has the latest TSA equipment and automated bin return.
    • Faster baggage delivery: Baggage delivery times are expected to be cut in half.
      The new terminal cuts the eight miles of bag belt down to three miles and upgrades to a more efficient system that is state-of-the-art.
    • New international arrivals experience: International arriving passengers will experience a more efficient and faster arrival, replacing a temporary fix in the old terminal that saw international passengers arrive airside – a relic of the design for US Airways’ connecting passengers.
    • Better, more efficient parking options: With 3,300 spaces, the new Terminal Garage features twice the amount of covered parking and the latest technology, including digital signs with real-time counts of available spaces and green lights to indicate where open spots can be found. PIT also added the Terminal Lot, an approximate five-minute walk to the terminal’s front door. The Shuttle Lot, formerly comprised of the Long Term, Extended and Economy Lots, includes thousands of parking spaces and new, heated shelters with a shuttle tracking system that displays real-time information.
    • Outdoor terraces: A rarity in U.S. airports, the new terminal will have four terraces – two pre-security and two post-security – allowing all passengers the opportunity for fresh air and a calm respite. Still under construction, the terraces will be landscaped with natural Western Pennsylvania landscapes.
    • Welcome Point: Passengers arriving to the transformed terminal will enter PIT’s Welcome Point – a spot for all airport visitors to wait for arriving passengers. This aspect of the terminal is uniquely Pittsburgh, designed for a community that favors welcoming loved ones and guests in-person.
    • Enhanced shopping and dining: Travelers will see 20 new or refreshed concessions as part of the renovated airside terminal experience, including local favorites like Mineo’s and national brands such as Shake Shack and more.
    • Universal access: The new terminal is guided by principles that make travel easier for all by creating services that benefit every passenger – from building design to a user-friendly digital experience.

Parking made easy at the new PIT

The new terminal is designed to bring peace of mind to every passenger, starting with new, on-site parking options that include 6,000 new spaces.

PIT’s transformed terminal is accompanied by its new Terminal Garage, which blends convenience and terminal proximity. With top-level garage parking, which doubles as an observation deck overlooking PIT’s campus, and three floors of covered parking, finding a spot at the new PIT will be faster and easier.

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In addition to the new Terminal Garage, PIT also added the Terminal Lot, with an approximate five-minute walk to the terminal’s front door. The Shuttle Lot, formerly the Long Term, Extended and Economy Lots at the old terminal, includes thousands of parking spaces and new, heated shelters with a shuttle tracking system that displays real-time information.

Passengers can save and get the best value by booking in advance at PARKatPIT.com. Pre-booking for the new Terminal Garage, Terminal Lot and Shuttle Lot will open on Friday, Nov. 14.

$2.5 billion in economic impact generated

The $1.7 billion new terminal generated an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impact for the region. More than 14,000 jobs were created and no local taxpayer money was used in the project.

Approximately 90 percent of the workforce that worked on the terminal hailed from the Greater Pittsburgh region and 90 percent of the materials and services were sourced locally. That includes 16,000 tons of structural steel that were fabricated locally.

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Crossing into a transformed airport experience

PIT’s new terminal is designed to reflect, connect and serve the community, creating a welcoming experience for every visitor. For Pittsburghers, exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel to a view of the city’s iconic skyline is an unforgettable experience, one that PIT reflects with the addition of the Skybridge.

Functionally, the terminal Skybridge connects the new landside terminal with the existing airside terminal. It makes for a quicker, more seamless connection from the security checkpoint to the airside terminal. Walking through the Skybridge is akin to journeying through a Pittsburgh street with lighting that mimics the region’s natural landscape, bringing the outside in.

For Pittsburgh passengers, the new airport experience doesn’t end after leaving the Skybridge. Over the past several years, the airside terminal has also undergone renovations, with modernized gate areas, updated and more spacious bathrooms, family restrooms, nursing lounges in each concourse, a plethora of local and national concession options and a new Core area.

Opening the airport Pittsburgh deserves

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PIT’s new front door to the region will soon become a piece of the Pittsburgh’s story, a welcome reminder of its bright future and a sure sign that Pittsburgh remains a region on the cutting-edge of innovation.

These are just some of the improvements that will give Pittsburgh the air travel experience it deserves, one developed by the people of the region, for the people of the region.

“You will get a sense of what Pittsburgh is from the minute you land,” Cassotis said. “And I think Pittsburghers will be surprised that there’s as much to brag about and feel proud about, that we can tell other people about.”

Stay tuned – Blue Sky News will capture the momentous Opening Day live, with regular updates posted to our site on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18.





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SportsNet Pittsburgh parts ways with Penguins rinkside reporter Hailey Hunter after three seasons

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SportsNet Pittsburgh parts ways with Penguins rinkside reporter Hailey Hunter after three seasons






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14+ things to do this weekend, from Juneteenth and Monster Jam to Summer Splash and Bubblesburgh

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14+ things to do this weekend, from Juneteenth and Monster Jam to Summer Splash and Bubblesburgh


What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, June 18-21? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, June 18-Sunday, June 21
Western PA Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration at Point State Park, Market Square and Liberty Avenue
11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Honor the holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S. at the largest Juneteenth festival in North America. For the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, Stop the Violence Pittsburgh presents this four-day festival celebrating “freedom, culture and resilience.” Energizing Downtown Pittsburgh’s newly refurbished Market Square along with Point State Park and Liberty Avenue, the signature festival showcases live music and entertainment, cultural experiences, vendors and more.

The Main Stage will sizzle with performances by Lloyd, Leela James, Ill-Harmonic Orchestra, Musiq Soulchild, Fabolous and Marsha Ambrosius. The Juneteenth in the Square Stage will host a range of live music, from Final Draft, Big Jus & Steel City Horns and the ReaL DeaL Band, to Keith Washington, Brother Marlon Gospel Showcase and Evelyn Champagne King.

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On Saturday, join the Grand Jubilee Parade stepping off at 11 a.m. from Freedom Corner pulsing with a high-energy steppers, dancers, horses and community groups. Support Black entrepreneurs at the Small Business Vendor Plaza lining Liberty Avenue with handmade goods, curated items and delicious cuisine. The free festivities also include a voting rights forum and youth fishing programs. Kicking off on the official U.S. federal holiday, the celebration culminates with Sunday’s All White After-Party at Club Enclave. Information. Read more about Juneteenth in NEXT.

Thursday, June 18
Made Local with Lisa Olszak Zumstein at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall
7 p.m.

Presented by Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, the Made Local series showcases prolific local authors and books with strong ties to the region. Next up to take the mic for Made Local is Pittsburgh-based author Lisa Olszak Zumstein, whose newest book examines the emotional, everyday and long-term effects of a catastrophic flash flood that ravaged Brady’s Bend 46 years ago. In just 40 minutes, a “record-breaking thunderstorm unleashed a disastrous amount of water” on the tiny town located in Clarion County along the Allegheny River as residents ran for their lives and nine people tragically drowned. Author of “The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980,” Zumstein “reveals how this devastating storm mirrors numerous others in the Appalachian corridor.”

A native of the tightly knit rural Appalachian community of Brady’s Bend — where she grew up with eight siblings — Zumstein is focusing on writing after retiring from a 30-year career as a small-business owner. “The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980” is available for purchase from White Whale Bookstore. Register for free.

Friday, June 19
In Bed by Ten Juneteenth Party at Spirit
6-9 p.m.

The dance party you love to stay out not too late for is back with a special Juneteenth edition. A celebration of music from the Black American diaspora, In Bed By Ten’s groovy Juneteenth soundtrack is curated by DJ Huny XO, who will be joined by DJs Femi and Yamez spinning R&B, hip-hop, house music and more. It’s a party with a purpose because proceeds benefit Sibyls Shrine, an art collective and residency program rooted in radical care, rest and support. Don’t actually need to be in bed by 10 p.m.? After bonding with all your new besties on the dance floor, stay late for the after-party by Mostbeautifullest, also curated by Huny XO. Tickets.

Eugène Louis Boudin, “The Beach at Trouville,” circa 1887–96. Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Robert B. Woodward, 15.314. Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum.

Saturday, June 20
“French Moderns: Matisse / Renoir / Degas” at The Frick Pittsburgh
10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This summer, Pittsburghers have the chance to experience landmark works by some of history’s most well-known artists when The Frick Pittsburgh opens it newest exhibition this weekend. Featuring approximately 60 artworks that “position France as the artistic center of international Modernism from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries,” the exhibition runs through Oct.11. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings and sculptures by renowned artists Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Edgar Degas, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Henri Matisse, Berthe Morisot, Gabriele Münter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Auguste Rodin.

Visitors will also examine major avant-garde art movements, from realism, impressionism, post-impressionism and symbolism, to Fauvism, cubism and surrealism. To augment the exhibition, the Frick is also presenting dozens of public programs, including film screenings, workshops, lectures and collaborative events with BB&Bur Pastry Kitchen and Bakery and Pittsburgh artist Ron Donoughe. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Vallozzis Pittsburgh.

Saturday, June 20
Festa Di Limoncello at Vallozzis Pittsburgh
2-5 p.m.

Sure, we don’t have the Amalfi Coast … but we do have the Festa di Limoncello. Raise a glass to the first weekend of summer with the perfect al fresco libation. Dubbed “Cello Fest” the event celebrates everything limoncello, transforming the restaurant’s open-air lounge into a breezy tableaux. An entire afternoon dedicated to the classic and irresistible Italian lemon liqueur, the sixth annual festival showcases new, unique limoncello flavors and an upgraded VIP experience. Sip 10 flavors of house-made cello while exploring an expanded festival footprint that includes the Fifth Avenue sidewalk and continues around the corner to McMasters Way.

Admission includes unlimited tastings, two drink tickets for craft cocktails, Italian-inspired bites, games and entertainment. Oh Snap Pgh will be on site to help revelers capture the fun on film, while DJ Wade Anthony will keep the party hopping with energetic beats. This year’s newly upgraded VIP experience includes early admission at 1 p.m., along with a swag bag full of limoncello-themed goodies, a specialty food spread, concierge service and exclusive access to a private lounge in the newly renovated Fresh Mozzarella bar. Tickets.

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Photo courtesy of Mark Houser.

Saturday, June 20, & Sunday, June 21
Antique Skyscrapers Rooftop Tours in Downtown Pittsburgh
10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Local author and skyscraper aficionado Mark Houser wants Pittsburghers to “keep looking up.” Literally. If you’re looking for a creative gift for that father figure in your life, or a special outing to experience together, why not try a skyscraper rooftop tour? Join Houser and other intrepid tour-goers to climb atop four historic Pittsburgh skyscrapers. Take in breathtaking views and explore the remarkable stories behind these local landmarks from way above the Golden Triangle.

See all the way to Oakland from the 29th floor balcony of the 1929 Art Deco Koppers Building, and admire the ornate Beaux-Arts terracotta cornice of the Oliver Building designed by renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. Head to the top of the Clark Building for a close-up rooftop view of the baroque red-domed skyscraper next door, and then “face off against the courthouse tower” from the balcony of the rooftop Union Club in the Frick Building. At each stop on the Downtown walking tour, attendees will discover new perspectives and “hear entertaining and surprising stories about the people behind the buildings.” Tickets.

Saturday, June 20
PONY UP: A Celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse at Tree Pittsburgh
6-10:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at magic hour along the Allegheny River. Taking place on the cusp of the summer solstice, the one-of-a-kind festivities are presented by the Pittsburgh-based Asian American & Pacific Islander artist collective JADED. The festival will highlight collective rituals, while making space for shared feeling. Featured performers include Viii Dorsey, philophilm, DJ Formosa, and LEXCD.

Pittsburgh’s queer line dancing group 412 Step will be lead attendees in guangchangwu. A central aspect of public life in China and other parts of Asia, guangchangwu or auntie plaza dancing is a tradition spanning many generations. The event will also include a public mourning ritual led by Monkey Wenches LLC. Says JADED organizer: “This is a party that aims to return us to radical dreaming in the face of ICE kidnapping our neighbors and US-backed war in Palestine, Iran and Lebanon. How do we grieve what our communities have lost, what has been taken forcibly? How do we ground in our desires for this Year of the Fire Horse and forge our own ways forward?” Information.

Saturday, June 20
Bubblesburgh at The Waterfront
1-4 p.m.

Float on over to Homestead to frolic with millions of bubbles. The Waterfront ushers in the season of summer fun with this festive afternoon dubbed Bubblesburgh. Celebrate all things bubbly — bubble machines, interactive bubble zones, balloon animals and more. Compete in a bubble-blowing contest, bounce around to live beats from kidmental and shop in the vibrant vendor market. Offering hands-on activities for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages, the free event will also feature local food and beverage vendors. Information.

Photo courtesy of Kamin Science Center.

Saturday, June 20
Summer Splash at Kamin Science Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dive into summer with this splash-tastic day of hands-on science, outdoor excitement and riverfront activities presented by ALCOSAN. Get moving with outdoor games, blow giant bubbles and visit an interactive rain garden. Strike a pose at a riverside dance party with DJ Vanessa, and meet our local aquatic neighbors, including fish, amphibians and reptiles that call our rivers home. Cool off by building a mini snowman, join a summer-themed photo scavenger hunt and hop aboard history to visit a real Cold War-era submarine. Explore the fascinating science of water as you discover how ALCOSAN keeps our rivers clean and healthy. Soak up the sun’s rays as you take in dramatic views of Pittsburgh’s three rivers from the terrace. All activities are included with general admission.

Saturday, June 20
Monster Jam at Acrisure Stadium
12:30-3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Watch from the edge of your seat when the North Shore stadium roars to life with mind-blowing live motorsports action. World-class athletes driving state-of-the-art trucks to perform gravity-defying stunts can only mean one thing: Monster Jam is back. Follow all the full-throttle thrills and heart-pounding races as 12,000-pound trucks defy the laws of physics, stand on two wheels and soar through the air during competitions of speed and skill. Be there when the world’s top drivers tear up the dirt on perfectly engineered tracks, battling it out for event championship titles in three competitions: racing, skills and the fan favorite freestyle.

Get ready to cheer on Tyler Menninga in the famed Grave Digger and Ryan Anderson celebrating 15 years with Son-uva Digger. Don’t miss Sparkle Smash, “the 6-ton unicorn with a bold attitude” driven by Kayla Blood, and find Bryce Kenny behind the wheel of the new Tech Deck Wreck Deckä, inspired by skateboarding. Even cooler? Fans will be right in the heart of all the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they score drivers in real-time based on skills, stunts and saves. Start the fun early at the Monster Jam Pit Party, a must for selfies with the trucks, autographs from drivers and family-friendly activities. Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside Experience happening about an hour before the opening ceremonies, to enjoy driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks and special giveaways. Tickets.

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Saturday, June 20
Fiesta Del Sol
6 p.m.
Location details will be provided with ticket purchase

There’s never been a more critical time to support the work of Casa San José. If you’re inspired to help Pittsburgh’s immigrant neighbors as violent ICE activities occur around the country, Fiesta Del Sol is a positive way to get involved while also celebrating Latino heritage and culture. Enjoy an evening “dedicated to community, connection and meaningful impact,” while helping to raise critical funds for Casa San José. The festivities will feature music by DJ TI|ZA, a photo booth, a raffle with 20 Latin American-themed baskets and a wine pull. The silent auction features art, memorabilia and specialty pieces, including three items autographed by Bruce Springsteen especially for Fiesta Del Sol. Join supporters, families and local leaders who are committed to continuing the nonprofit’s work, strengthening community and uplifting lives. The VIP Party starting at 5 p.m. includes an exclusive wine tasting, Argentinian cuisine, valet parking and live music by Geña & Peña. General admission festivities start at 6 p.m. Tickets.

Sunday, June 21
Make Music Day Pittsburgh at Schenley Plaza and the Schenley Park Visitor Center
11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Nature, music and community will converge to welcome summer in Oakland. Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to explore the musical side of the city during this special edition of the organization’s Family Day series. Showcasing Pittsburgh’s diverse musical community, the daylong celebration features performances ranging from opera and jazz to folk, bluegrass and acoustic music throughout Schenley Plaza and the Schenley Park Visitor Center. The festivities also include sensory-friendly programming and hands-on musical experiences for all ages. While there, be sure to hop on the PNC Carousel for a free ride. Schenley Plaza will burst with music from Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Azure Family Concerts, The KRUNK Movement and Center of Life Jazz, and the Shade Tree Collective. Performing over at the Schenley Park Visitor Center will be Wild Orchids, Donna Occhipinti, Ray Pelletier and Mars Loves You. Information.

Sunday, June 21
Disco Sunday Disco at Trace Brewing
3-9 p.m.

Dance for a very important local cause when Disco Sunday Disco fills Clement Way with life-affirming summer solstice vibes. Commune on the open-air dance floor along the color-soaked “Graffiti Alley” with hundreds of your newest BFFs alongside the Bloomfield brewery. There is no such thing as the Sunday Scaries here. Under the disco ball tent and on the decks for the June edition will be resident DJs Hoagie Dreams and Dini Daddy keeping dancers jovial. Stay sated with bites from the Streets on the Fly Food Truck parked out front. Sway into the sunset to help raise money for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit ARYSE, which supports immigrant and refugee youth. Information.

Sunday, June 21
Summer Sounds with Weather Permitting at Hazelwood Green
6-10 p.m.

Unwind after the weekend and get recharged for the week ahead when one of the city’s favorite outdoor concert series returns. Weather Permitting and Hazelwood Local team up to bring the summer vibes, with huge helpings of global music and cuisine, to the bucolic green space along the Mon. Based in Naucalpan on the outskirts of Mexico City, Son Rompe Pera will fill the site’s Woodlawn Meadow with their unforgettable marimba-infused music and unique blend of punk and cumbia sounds. Arrive with an appetite because Kilimanjaro Flavour will be serving up East African dishes, and local breweries will be on site. Free for all ages, the event also includes family-friendly games and local vendors. A limited number of lawn seats are available, and attendees are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. Information.

Find more summer concerts here

9 more things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend

Thursday, June 18: Midsummer Mingle at Allegheny RiverTrail Park, 6:30-10 p.m.

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Thursday, June 18
: The Black Studio presents a screening of “Chocolate Babies” at Bottom Feeder Books, 7-9 p.m.

Friday, June 19, & Sunday, June 21: Resonance Works presents “Roméo & Juliette” at the New Hazlett Theater, 8 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Saturday, June 20: POGOH Community Slow Roll Series at the Tioga Street and Homewood Avenue POGOH station, 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 20: World Refugee Day Conference at the Allegheny Center Alliance Church, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Saturday, June 20: PA Running Series 5K at Altered Genius Brewing Co., 11 a.m.

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Saturday, June 20: Carnegie Celebrates Juneteenth at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturday, June 20: Mount Oliver Borough Juneteenth Block Party along the 100–200 block of Brownsville Road, 6-10 p.m.

Saturday, June 20: fireWALL Dance presents “COVEN” at the Greer Cabaret Theater, 8 p.m.





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Penn Township votes to ban e-bikes, e-scooters in Municipal Park Complex

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Penn Township votes to ban e-bikes, e-scooters in Municipal Park Complex


Penn Township has voted to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from the township’s Municipal Park Complex.

During a commissioners meeting on Wednesday evening, the board passed an ordinance that will prohibit e-bicycles and e-scooters from operating within the townships Municipal Park. 

“The decision was based on safety concerns for park visitors as well as the riders of the bikes and scooters,” said Penn Township secretary/manager Mary Perez.

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Earlier this week, Perez told KDKA that the township has received complaints regarding the use of bikes and scooters in the park complex and that the board had considered other options like helmet requirements and speed limits, but found those difficult to enforce. 

The Municipal Park Complex off of Raymaley Road is where the township’s municipal offices are located along with the library, a fishing pond, dog park, skate park, pavilions, and nearly a dozen baseball fields.

With the passing of an ordinance related to e-bike usage, Penn Township becomes the latest municipality in the Pittsburgh area to bring the topic to the forefront of discussion.

Earlier this month, Center Township Police in Beaver County urged parents to talk to their children after police said children on e-bikes caused serious damage to a new park.

After an e-bike crash happened in Bethel Park earlier this year, police took to social media to remind parents and families that even if kids are old enough to ride e-bikes, they still have to abide by the rules of the road — following traffic lights, the signs, and the signals.

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Around the time of the Bethel Park reminder, Brentwood Borough also sent out a reminder, saying “motorized recreational vehicles” are not allowed anywhere in the borough, which includes streets, sidewalks, and parks.  



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