Use of Frick Park Restrictions

Dear ECS Families,

Starting tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 30, the city of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Game Commission will begin a pilot program that allows a hand picked team of archers to bow hunt in Frick Park Monday through Saturday. This program is anticipated to continue until Dec. 9 with a short break and then resume from Dec. 26–Jan. 27. 

To ensure the safety of our students and staff, ECS will not permit students to enter Frick Park until the district learns more about how this program will impact our use of the park. The safety, well being, and security of our students and staff is our top priority. While we recognize that this is important work to curb the overpopulation of deer in the area, we are extremely disappointed by the decision to allow bow hunting during the week considering Frick Park’s close proximity to several schools and playgrounds. 

Nonetheless, out-the-door education is at the root of our organization, and ECS is committed to getting kids outside. While we are not entering Frick Park until we know more, both the Primary and Intermediate Schools are surrounded by environments that allow students to continue their studies and connect with the world we live in. Students will use ECS’s campuses’ green spaces and community areas to practice systems thinking and eco-literacy which is a core value at ECS. While this situation is not ideal, we recognize that our environment consists of all kinds of systems (natural, built, and social) that contribute to our students’ educational success and well-being while helping them bloom and flourish to become active, engaged, and empathetic global citizens. 

Finally, ECS has contacted the City of Pittsburgh, the Game Commission, and park rangers to review safety protocols, and we are dedicated to continuing conversations to ensure student health and wellbeing. 

ECS will follow up once the district receives more information about safe spaces within the park. If you have concerns regarding this program, please contact your local representative. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely, 

Amanda Cribbs, EdD

Superintendent