#randyland

[becauseanders]

EDIT: FALSE ALARM, THE URA IS NOT DEMOLISHING RANDYLAND

So I know a lot of Pittsburghers, obviously myself included, panicked when this hit social media:

[ID: A piece of white paper posted over a painted Randyland sign. At the top of the original sign you can read the words, “Keep clean thanks, Randyland.” The paper reads, “Demolition Notice. Randyland Gardens (Established 20 Years Ago). 1400 Block Jacksonia St. and Arch St. 30 Day Notice. June 2, 2023. For more information, please contact Pittsburgh URA.” End ID.]

I even saw a screenshot in the comments on this Facebook post (which has now also been edited) that Randy Gilson himself posted about complaints from a neighbor and saying goodbye to the space, using the words “today the world picks on happy people and happiness everywhere” (except his version was in all caps). However.

The Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority is not taking Randyland down. I don’t know if Randy just panicked about the complaint, as local social media did, or what exactly happened, but there is no need to contact the URA, they did not put up that sign neither are they planning to destroy Randyland.

I had emailed when I saw the “news,” and this is the response I received from Tanika Harris of the Pittsburgh URA:

[ID: A screenshot from an email with the subject line “Randyland/URA Communication.” The body of the email reads, “Good Afternoon, Thank you for reaching out! The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has no intention of demolishing the community garden, affectionately known as Randyland. The demolition sign that was posted on Friday, June 2 did not come from the URA or any of our affiliates. The URA has been in conversation with Randy Gilson, Community Garden Curator and Councilman Bobby Wilson. We are committed to ensuring a safe space for all residents and will continue to work with our partners to bring about clarity, transparency, and community.” End ID.]

So I apologize for the quick reaction, I know I’m not the only one who freaked out and I am sure the URA has been absolutely flooded with emails and phone calls about this. It sounds like Randy is the one who put up the sign and while I still do not fully understand what went down, Randyland is not in danger from the URA.

So spread this word, I guess, especially to fellow Pittsburghers.

[buttressarcade]

Randyland in Pittsburgh, PA

[foolishfuuck]

pins n such

[franceswee]

[adancedivasmom]

I’m dying right now. Pedro Pascal was in my hometown today! I love that he enjoyed two of our iconic museums on the North Side.

Pictures from Pedro’s Instagram story

[longlistshort]

Randyland is a free eclectic outdoor museum located on the Northside of Pittsburgh. The founder, Randy Gilson bought the property for $10,000 using a credit card. Upcycled objects, sculptures, paintings and murals began to fill the space, and the rest is history.

Included in the story of Randyland is how Gilson met and fell in love with his partner, David Paul Francis “Mac” McDermott. McDermott would go on to help Gilson build the museum. Sadly, he passed away from cancer in 2019.

The museum is open year round from 12-7pm.

[michelleelizabethsworld]

Randyland - Pittsburgh, PA

[pittsburghbeautiful]

Randyland

Randyland: A Colorful Oasis in Pittsburgh’s Urban Landscape On Pittsburgh’s North Side lies a vibrant art sanctuary known as Randyland. An open-air museum that brings together innumerable splashes of color, art, and creativity, Randyland is a beacon of positivity and resilience, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The Genesis of Randyland Randy Gilson, a local artist and community…

[invincible-selfxmade-punk]

Good morning!!

I am having coffee in my brand new 🟢🟣Randyland🔴🟡 mug my sister sent me from Pittsburgh.

It is a gigantic, colorful outdoor art installation that I wish to one day see in person. If you are in the Pittsburgh area you have to check it out for me!

[fabiwasabiii]

B went through his SD card and found some forgotten pics from our Pittsburgh trip last year.

Randyland is such a happy place to be. 😊

[mansion-of-haunts]

feeling like shit just wish tourist trapped was a thing that might come back

[ehghtyseven]

Do you have recommendations for what to do and see in Pittsburgh? And is it easy to get around by bus/subway etc?

anon I’m so sorry, I started replying to this at the airport on my way home then saved it to drafts and forgot to go back and publish, oops! anyway…

ok, please bear in mind I am just a person who has visited a few times so this is in no way exhaustive, and will obviously be coloured by how easy things are to get to without a car and things I personally find interesting!

presented in no particular order…

heinz history centre & sports museum

go for a wander through the strip district

fort pitt museum & point state park

national aviary (fun on its own but would thoroughly recommend the penguin encounter as an extra)

andy warhol museum

carnegie science centre (though I just went to a specific exhibit so I don’t actually know about the museum as a whole but I liked what I visited)

walk the three rivers heritage trail along the north shore & visit the mister rogers statue (and I always enjoy walking over one or other of the three sisters bridges to get across from downtown and back afterwards)

take a trip on the inclines (duquesne is the prettiest and has the best views of the city at the top but personally I like to go up the mon - when it’s not closed that is - walk along grandview then come back down via duquesne)

point of view sculpture (just a bit further along grandview from the duquesne incline)

pittsburgh has a couple of theatres so it’s always worth checking out what’s on during your trip, and pittsburgh has some great restaurants/bars to check out too.

also, not really a “thing to do” but I will never get tired of arriving via the fort pitt tunnel when coming in from the airport and downtown just explodes in front of you as you emerge!

there are some other places I haven’t visited yet but are on my list, including the zoo & aquarium, phipps conservatory, carnegie museums of art and natural history, the frick, and randyland.

on the second question, downtown & the areas close by are very walkable but I find it is pretty easy to get around on public transport, yes. PRT now has an app (ready2ride) that includes a journey planner and live trackers (amongst other stuff), lets you buy a range of different types of pass that you then use by just scanning your phone when you get on, and which covers buses, light rail and the inclines. as someone who lives in london and is used to just tapping my phone to travel on public transport, this was way easier for me than having to think about paying fares every time and took a lot of anxiety out of using buses!

the T (light rail) is also free between downtown and the north shore - all the stops between first avenue and allegheny - which is handy! I also think it’s neat that most bus stops have a QR code you can scan for live arrivals info, which also helps you check you’re at the right stop :)

[rcedge]

i miss randyland i miss randy rose

[adventureswithabby]

Pittsburgh Pleasures

Now, I want to talk about a place near and dear to my heart...Pittsburgh! I live about an hour outside the city, but I’m there often, and I absolutely love it. While Pittsburgh may not be as crazy as NYC, there’s still so much to do. I enjoy walking around and exploring the shops and restaurants at the Strip District or heading over to the Waterfront for a day out.

Sports culture is huge here! Everyone is passionate about their Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. I’ve been to a few games myself, and they never disappoint. One of my favorite traditions is watching the pierogi race before Pirates games—it’s a blast!

Pittsburgh also has some amazing museums. The Mattress Factory offers a unique, abstract art experience, and there’s even an Andy Warhol Museum. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Randyland is a colorful, quirky spot worth visiting. Recently, a new Van Gogh exhibit has opened up, which is definitely worth checking out as well.

And if you’re ever in town, make sure to hop on a Ducky Tour for some extra fun!

[amysphotostory]

Randyland - June 2024

[lunatempest]

Some photos from my trip to Randyland the other day! Been visiting various museums and landmarks around Pittsburgh this summer, and this is one of my favorites!

More photos under the cut.