Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation launched its Operation Restore program with a ceremonial ground breaking at the Cascades in South Park. This ground breaking marks the beginning of the restoration of the Cascades, the first of many Operation Restore projects.

Built in 1927 by Paul Riis, Swiss architect best known for his involvement in the development of Yellowstone National Park, the Cascades are a series of shallow pools built amongst large rocks located in the middle of South Park. Trickling waterfalls and plants native to the area animate the Cascades, but it was the children and families who would visit and play amongst the waters that brought the Cascades to life. An escape from the bustling city, families would flock to the serenity of the Cascades, and children would excite over the cool water and stimulating scenery. However, years of neglect led to the Cascades being forgotten by time and they were quickly reclaimed by nature.

Together with Allegheny County, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Citrone Thirty-Three Foundation, the Penguins Foundation is reviving this hidden treasure for the Pittsburgh community. “The Cascades are a fond memory for many South Park natives,” said Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation President Dave Soltesz. “We are excited to bring it back for the community to enjoy.”

The Cascades will provide the community with a historic, educational, and fun escape. This location vibrantly filled with wildlife and plants native to the Pittsburgh region will be a destination for families throughout the changing seasons.

This restoration will be the first of many projects through the Penguins Foundation’s newest initiative, Operation Restore. By restoring areas, like the Cascades, the Foundation is making sure that future generations can appreciate the uniqueness of the Pittsburgh region.

You can learn more about Operation Restore and the restoration of the Cascades by visiting www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/ACParksFdn-SouthParkCascades to donate and join the Cascades restoration project.

About the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation:

Founded in 2010, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is the 501c3 philanthropic hand of the 5X Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. With the belief that “Kids Are The Future,” the Penguins Foundation focuses its efforts on making an impact on the lives of the littlest fans of the Penguins team and organization. Through programs related to the Penguins Foundation’s pillars of playing, growing, helping and learning, the Foundation has been able to make countless assists to the community in just a few short seasons including an overall contribution of $30 million to charitable causes since 2010. For more information, visit: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org