Tarentum to reveal plans for Riverview Memorial Park renovation

Plans for the potential makeover of Riverview Memorial Park in Tarentum will be revealed Tuesday.

Residents will get their first chance to view three concepts for the park, which stretches nearly the length of the borough along the Allegheny River.

A public meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum along East Seventh Avenue.

“This is really important,” said Keely McDonald, a designer with Pittsburgh-based architecture firm Pashek MTR. “We want to get input on what people see as priorities and where they would like things to be located.”

Pashek MTR was tasked with compiling results from a comprehensive survey on amenities that could include fishing docks, picnic pavilions and public art.

More than 130 people answered the survey, with nearly 65% asking for an overlook at the water. Half of the people hoped for a fishing pier. People also want more walking trails and public boat access.

Council in 2023 voted to eliminate the borough’s 24 boat docks but said public boating slips could return in future years.

Results of the survey showed bird watching, fishing and boating are among the most popular activities at the park. The most-used amenities are the walking trail, amphitheater, spray park, playground and memorials.

McDonald said it’s the little details that make each of the three concepts different.

“While they all try to incorporate input from the survey, some do more grand planning while others do minor adjustments,” she said. “This is the first real chance the community will have to react to the plans.”

Participants will be able to peruse three large boards and move among stations to compare them. Volunteers will be on hand to guide discussions and answer questions.

Once the public has a chance to contribute thoughts about the initial plans, McDonald said, a final design will be developed.

She expects to present the master plan this summer.