Biking, Climbing, Paddling Highlight Outdoors Celebration

The 10th annual Great Outdoors Week celebration continues throughout the Pittsburgh region with more than 60 events to highlight outdoor opportunities.
Ginette Walker Vinski of Sustainable Pittsburgh, the organizer of the celebration, says the idea is to showcase the natural amenities of southwestern Pennsylvania....
"From our rivers to our parks to our trails to our forest lands, and also to encourage people to try out some of the activities that use these resources, whether it's hiking, biking, paddling, climbing--you name it--there are tons of activities and opportunities available in this region."

The signature events include National Bike to Work Day and Learn to Row and Paddle on Friday, May 20.
walker Vinski says the biggest event is probably the Venture Outdoors Festival at Point State Park Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m....a free event with all kinds of activities including a climbing wall, fishing, kayaking, dragon boating, yoga and biking. Vinski says they expect about 6,000 to 7,000 people to attend the festival.

She says the final major event, "Pedal Pittsburgh" is Sunday, May 22 and is hosted by the Community Design Center...
"We say it's a ride, not a race where you ride your bike anywhere from 6 to 60 miles. It's all about learning about the architecture and design of the city, and learning how good design really makes for a better quality of life here in the city of Pittsburgh."

Vinski says there have been major changes over the last 10 years focusing on the region's natural amenities.