Hazelwood Initiative, Inc. (HI) is a 501.c.3 non-profit dedicated to the betterment of the Greater Hazelwood area. Through volunteer driven initiatives, our membership has been able to accomplish a variety of different projects to beautify and improve our neighborhood. For example:

The Sitting Garden and Gazebo
Once a defunct gas station, this prime spot, located between two historic churches, was envisioned as a garden oasis along the Avenue. It took several years of negotiating with the City of Pittsburgh which owned the parcel of land, but HI persevered and created the most popular spot in the neighborhood. Perfect for neighbors to just "hang out" in or for nearby weddings to have photos taken in, this project has had an enormous impact on the face of the community. Designed by our Board Chairwoman, Lisa Kunst Vavro, the site is now undergoing a new change - the addition of a new building that will house HI offices, a concession stand and serve as a meeting place. The new building was designed pro-bono by architect John Gresock, Jr., AIA.

Snowflake Lights
What every community should have during the winter holiday season! Elegant snowflake lights line Second Avenue from November through January!

Vision and Master Plan
The future of the Hazelwood community is very closely tied to the future development of the former LTV Coke Plant site. The Vision and Master Plan is an attempt to build consensus on what the community envisions the site being. The Plan, done with the help of Pittsburgh City Planning and The Saratoga Associates, a planning firm from New York, culminated in a Design Workshop in May 2001. There, over 100 participants from neighbors to business owners, recreation enthusiasts, university representatives and government officials, weighed in on determining the best and highest use of the Coke Plant site and how it should be connected to Hazelwood and neighboring Junction Hollow. The plan will be used by ALMONO, a consortium of foundations that are buying the site, as a basis for their master plan.

The Conservancy Gardens at the Glenwood Bridge
No, they just don't grow there by accident! HI volunteers plant and maintain them from May through October.

The Hazelwood Homepage
Hailed as one of the best community newspapers in Pittsburgh! Check it out for yourself!!

Little League and Rookie Ball
With only a year to prepare, HI picked up and ran with the ball when our Little League unexpectedly was abandoned by the previous organizers. Now it's the hottest ticket for the summer!

Summer Concerts
The other hottest ticket in the long, hot, lazy Hazelwood summers. Big name performers such as Kenny Blake and Dr. Zoot have played to our crowds! Concerts are now held at the Sitting Garden State at Second and Johnston Avenues. Check HERE for the schedule!

Hazelwood Initiative Gardens: the Sitting Garden at Second and Johnston Avenues.