The Unkillable Human has returned

Friends of the Riverfront is pleased to announce that the "Unkillable Human" sculpture is back where it belongs on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, after it was stolen and damaged a few weeks ago. The statue has been completely restored and reinstalled.

The seven foot tall iron sculpture, create by artist Frederick Franck, represents a significant installation on this segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Beside the sculpture, a granite tablet reveals the sculptor's inspiration for the piece, "came about on my return from Hiroshima, where burned into a concrete wall I saw the shadow of the fellow human evaporated the moment the Bomb struck. Through the empty negative - mere flames of steel - one sees the Human rising like a Phoenix from its ashes.

You can find our original post about the theft here: http://friendsoftheriverfront.blogspot.com/2009/08/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html

PNC Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race Success

The 2009 PNC Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race was a huge success! Thanks to all the athletes, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the weekend possible. Dates for the 2010 event will be announced shortly. Results are in, and finish line photos for each athlete are online visit http://www.piranha-sports.com/Race45.aspx

"Right Beside the River," a documentary about Pittsburgh and the other cities in Western Pennsylvania

Rick Sebak just finished his latest masterpiece entitled on "Right Beside the River," a documentary about Pittsburgh and the other cities in Western Pennsylvania that are located along rivers for the Pittsburgh History Series. This PBS documentary will air on WQED starting this Thursday, August 20th at 8:00pm. Friends of the Riverfront is well represented in several of the stories including the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Water Trail. Check out the link below for clips of the show, commentary and complete details.

http://www.facebook.com/InsideScoopOnRickSebak

Stolen North Shore Sculpture Recovered

PITTSBURGH, PA – (August 5, 2009) The Unkillable Human Sculpture (pictured on right) stolen from the Three Rivers Heritage Trail over the weekend, was found Wednesday morning. The seven-foot-tall iron sculpture, created by artist Frederick Franck, was recovered by City of Pittsburgh Detective John Varner from a private residence in Bridgeville, PA. The inspiration for the sculpture came from the bombing of Hiroshima “where burned into a concrete wall [Franck] saw the shadow of the fellow human evaporated the moment the Bomb struck.” The sculpture suffered light damage, and Friends of the Riverfront is working with Red Star Ironworks of Millvale to restore the piece. Plans are being made for its reinstallation in late August.

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a paved and dedicated biking, hiking, and walking trail around Pittsburgh. Running for over 21 miles along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, it is an almost complete public route for cyclists, walkers, runners, and in some places roller bladders. With funding from foundations, government officials, and diverse volunteer base, our rivers and riverfronts have been transformed from industrial wastelands to international examples of environmental renewal. Annually, 2 million people use the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and it is promoted in Friends of the Riverfront’s free Heritage Trail Map. The map is distributed to approximately 50,000 individuals at several hundred locations within the City and surrounding areas.

For more information about Friends of the Riverfront, visit www.friendsoftheriverfront.org or call 412.488.0212.

The Fish Trophies are back!

Friends of the Riverfront is proud to partner with Mendel Steel for the creation of the 2009 PNC Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race 1st place trophies. Each trophy is individually fashioned by hand from recycled materials themed with fish, gears and feet. This year’s event is set for Sunday, July 26th on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Register today at www.pittsburghtriathlon.com to compete for one of your own.

The PNC Pittsburgh Triathlon and Adventure Race is approaching fast!

All races will take place at the North Shore Riverfront Park/Great Lawn along the Allegheny River between PNC Park and Heinz Field. Participants and spectators will appreciate the exciting backdrops of the beautiful city over the three vital rivers in the area. Both the Triathlon and the Adventure Race have a bike and run portion, while only the Triathlon has a swim to start in the Allegheny River. In place of a swim, the Adventure Race has a paddle in either a kayak or a canoe. Athlete packet pick-up and Race Expo is scheduled for Saturday, July 25^th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm followed by the Sunday, July 26^th Triathlon and Adventure Race beginning at 6:30 am. For more information, including details on registering for the PNC Bank Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race, please visit www.pittsburghtriathlon.com or www.friendsoftheriverfront.org or call 412-488-0212.

Photo Contest for 2010 Three Rivers Heritage Trail Map!

Friends of the Riverfront is encouraging Trail users to take part in preparations for the release of their 2010 Three Rivers Heritage Trail Map & Guide. Individuals are asked to submit their favorite photos from the Trail, and the winning photographer will be featured and credited in 50,000 copies of the 2010 Map. The winner will also receive a $25 Gift Certificate to OTB Bicycle Café, which is located off the South Side Trail at 2518 E. Carson Street. Please visit our FaceBook page for more information!