Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy News Contact: Laura Cook 412-682-7275, ext 220 lcook@pittsburghparks.org Eco-Illumination Comes to Schenley Plaza Festive Holiday Lighting Brings Community Spirit (PITTSBURGH – December 17, 2008) – Holiday cheer has lit up Schenley Plaza with the help of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. In addition to the sparkling trees that are a Plaza tradition, this year’s lighting features festive banners thanks to a Power of Light grant from the Duquesne Light Company. “Duquesne Light is proud to be a part of this effort. The Power of Light seeks to build strong and vibrant communities throughout the Pittsburgh region, and beautiful outdoor space is one key feature,” said Morgan O’Brien of the Duquesne Light Company. The entire lighting display features approximately 35,000 LED lights bedecking the trees and banners surrounding the Plaza. LED lights are more expensive to purchase, but use less power than typical light strands to create a beautiful effect with less environmental impact. They last ten times longer representing a distinct environmental benefit in terms of constructability, useful life span, and disposal. The lighting will be on display through February 2009. Swirling through the blue banners is the curving red motif from the Schenley Plaza logo. This beautiful lighting display has been designed locally and installed under the direction of the Parks Conservancy’s Maintenance and Management Director, Phil Gruszka. “The residents of the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are very fortunate to have great parks and staff that care for them. During the winter months, when darkness prevails, we tend to retreat to our homes and fireplaces. Festive holiday lighting is just one item in parks that gives residents a good reason to bundle up, take a walk and enjoy the beauty that exists outdoors even during the winter season,” said Gruszka. About the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy -- Operating by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Schenley Plaza is the grand entrance to Schenley Park, located between the Carnegie and Hillman Libraries on Forbes Avenue. The Parks Conservancy improves quality of life for the people of Pittsburgh by restoring the park system to excellence in partnership with the City. Restoration efforts are conducted with environmental sensitivity and respect for historic landscape design and the recreational needs of modern users. For more information, please visit www.pittsburghparks.org. Laura Cook Marketing Communications Coordinator Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 412-682-7275, ext. 220 www.pittsburghparks.org