PA State Parks to Host Fish-For-Free Day on July 4

Pennsylvania’s state parks will allow families to fish on state waterways without a fishing license on July 4.

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Fish-for-Free-Day is aimed at promoting the fun of fishing among Pennsylvania families. On July 4, 2024, any Pennsylvania resident or non-resident will be allowed to fish without a license on state waterways, although all other fishing regulations will still apply.

Those who do not have equipment can visit the state’s Borrow a Rod & Reel Fishing Tackle Loaner Program to find a location where they can borrow rods, reels, and a tackle box full of hooks and other terminal tackle. To borrow gear, visitors must complete a form. The equipment loan is similar to that of a library transaction. At the end of the loan, the equipment must be returned to the site.

The program is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the American Sportfishing Association, and various sponsors. It is designed to make it easy for anyone to have access to fishing equipment. 

Fishing tackle equipment can also be loaned to groups conducting fishing education programs in the community.

Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s tackle loaner webpage for more information on locations, hours of operation, and contact information.

Apply to Be an Age-Friendly Neighborhood

Age Friendly Greater Pittsburgh is calling on Allegheny County communities to apply for its second cohort of Age-Friendly Neighborhoods.

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Three Allegheny County communities will receive $20,000 over a period of two years - between 2024 and 2026 - for projects that amplify older adult voices and foster intergenerational connection.

Those interested in applying can watch a video for inspiration. The video features the work of Age Friendly Greater Pittsburgh’s first cohort of neighborhoods - Clairton, Coraopolis, and the Hill District.

To learn more about the cohort, virtual information sessions will take place on Thursday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to noon and Monday, July 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Those interested in applying should submit an interest form by Friday, July 19.

ECELS Warns of Water Bead Dangers for Children

Healthy Child Care Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS) is advising parents and early child care providers about the possible dangers of water beads.

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Water beads are small, water-absorbing balls of super absorbent polymer that can grow 100 times their original size when exposed to water. They are often sold as toys, in craft kits, as sensory tools, or for use in gardens. 

Water beads can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested, leading to choking, internal injuries, and even death if left undetected. If the beads are inserted into ears, they can damage ear structure, causing hearing loss and surgery. The beads lead to thousands of emergency room visits every year, according to the ECELS.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges parents and caregivers to remove these products from any environment with children and for child care centers, camps, and schools to avoid these products entirely.

Medical treatment should be sought immediately if a child has swallowed a water bead or inserted it into their ear or nose.

More information on the beads can be found on the CPSC’s website.

Free Admission for Teachers and Educators at Children’s Museum in June

All teachers and educators - including pre-k and child care teachers - can partake in free admission to the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh this month.

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Teachers and educators can obtain one free adult or senior admission at the museum every weekday in June. A school or state ID must be shown at the time of purchase. 

The discount is available for in-person admission only and cannot be redeemed online. For more information on the Children’s Museum’s hours or exhibits, visit its website.

CitiParks to Open Pittsburgh’s Outdoor Swimming Pools for Summer

CitiParks is scheduled to open 15 of Pittsburgh’s outdoor swimming pools for the summer this coming weekend.

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The pools are scheduled to open on Saturday, June 15. The hours and days of operation are yet to be announced as staff works on lifeguard scheduling. 

CitiParks has recruited, certified, and onboarded 140 lifeguards for the 2024 pool season. The final training class for lifeguards was completed at the beginning of the month.

The 15 pools that will open this weekend include: 

• Ammon

• Banksville

• Bloomfield

• Highland Park

• Jack Stack

• Magee

• McBride

• Moore

• Ormsby

• Phillips

• Riverview

• Schenley

• Sue Murray

• West Penn 

• Westwood

Three pools are not opening for the season due to maintenance and staffing issues. Due to a major renovation in Homewood Park, the pool will remain closed. Ream will not open due to a cement and liner issue, while Sheraden is undergoing a number of renovations that are required for the pool and its building. 

Pool tags will be available on opening day at all open pool entry gates. Visitors can save time by completing their application before arriving at the pool.

For more information, visit the City of Pittsburgh’s website.

Pittsburgh’s Adaptive Bike Rental Program Creates Cycling Access

Pittsburgh’s Adaptive POGOH bike rental program - which provides cycling access for people of all abilities - is open for the summer two days per week.

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The program is open every Wednesday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 29. Rentals are for two hours and are offered at either 10 a.m. or noon.

Adaptive POGOH offers a fleet of seven different adaptive cycles that are available for rent at one location in the Eliza Furnace Trailhead Parking Lot on Swinburne Street.

The bike rentals are free during Adaptive POGOH’s 2024 pilot program.

Rules and regulations include:

• Cyclists must accept POGOH’s terms and conditions to rent cycles.

• Riders must be 18 years or older.

• Riders must leave a credit or debit card with the attendant while they are on their ride. The card will only be charged if equipment is not returned or damaged.

• Riders may not return any cycles to POGOH stations, but rather to the Adaptive POGOH rental site at the Eliza Furnace Trailhead parking lot.

• It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure the cycle is returned on time.

• Cyclists must bring their own helmet if they choose to wear one. Helmets are not required, but encouraged. 

• Cyclists should bring their own lock if they plan to leave the bike at any time.

POGOH representatives will be on hand to assist with adjusting seats and providing a safety overview of the cycle.

Those interested in using one of the cycles can make a reservation now. For more information, visit the Adaptive POGOH website.