A Swinging Success!
Steel City Squash Academy Students served as tour guides of their new home.
Steel City Squash Dedication Ceremony: A Celebration of Community and Growth
On Saturday, September 7th, guests gathered at 624 Larimer Avenue for the highly anticipated Steel City Squash Dedication Ceremony. This special event marked a milestone in the organization's journey to inspire and educate young people through the unique combination of squash and academic enrichment.
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of guests, including State Representative Lindsey Williams; Councilman Khari Mosley; Executive Director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Susheela Nemani-Stanger; Executive Director of the Larimer Consensus Group, Chase Patterson; and Executive Director of the Squash and Education Alliance, Tim Wyant. Their presence emphasized the importance of Steel City Squash to the community and underscored the far-reaching impact of the program.
David McL. Hillman, Board Chair.
David Hillman, the Board Chair of Steel City Squash, conducted the ceremony, sharing heartfelt words about the dedication, passion, and teamwork that brought this vision to life. He took a moment to recognize the hard work and collaboration of the project team from Steel City Squash, Lafe Metz, Steve Mosites, Peter Margittai, and the Steel City Squash staff; facility architects, GBBN, particularly Melani Ngami; and the general contractor, PJ Dick, led by Project Manager Mark Mechler. Their collective efforts have provided a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for growth, development, and empowerment for the program's students.
David also expressed deep gratitude to the more than 160 individual donors who made the facility possible. He highlighted the generosity and dedication of several key supporters, including the Simonds Family - Talbott, Henry, and Lea Simonds - along with the entire Hillman Foundation team; Tim and Jessica O'Brien; Bob Crisanti and Josh Becker; the Broadhurst Family; Mike Rost; Shanin Specter; and the Pittsburgh Athletic Association team. Their significant contributions were instrumental in bringing the vision of Steel City Squash to life, ensuring that the facility will have a lasting impact on the lives of the students it serves.
Artist Alecia Dawn Young accepts flowers from Mary, who helped create the more than 1,000 tiles included in the piece.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of "Rooted Momentum," a striking public art piece created by local ceramic artist Alecia Dawn Young. The artwork, which symbolizes growth, resilience, and forward movement, beautifully captures the spirit of Steel City Squash and its mission. Young’s ceramic masterpiece will serve as an enduring symbol of the strength and potential of the program’s students, as well as the deep roots the organization is planting in the community. Attendees were moved by the profound connection between the artwork and Steel City Squash’s values, adding an extra layer of meaning to the dedication ceremony.
Rooted Momentum, By: Alecia Dawn Young
Chase Patterson, Chair of the Larimer Consensus Group
As the speeches concluded, it became clear that Steel City Squash is more than just a sports facility—it is a beacon of opportunity and a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared goal. As many of the speakers referenced, this space is part of a vibrant community focused on providing pathways for growth. The excitement and optimism were palpable, as attendees mingled, celebrated, and looked toward the bright future of this impactful program.
The dedication ceremony was a reflection of Steel City Squash's mission to provide a safe, supportive, and educational environment for its students. With the backing of community leaders and the hard work of so many, Steel City Squash is positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of Pittsburgh’s youth.
Images by George Lange.
A big thanks goes out to George Lange for taking such incredible pictures at the event. Check out the rest of the gallery HERE!