the almanac M AY 18, 2025
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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Summer splash
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ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
The Bethel Park Splash Park will open for business on May 24.
Forecast promising for area swim centers By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, summer in the South Hills will be warmer than normal, but with more precipitation. While rainfall may be above average, area residents will be flocking to community pools and splash pads to beat the heat. For the second year in a row, South Fayette residents can cool off for free at the splash pad in Fairview Park at 288 Recreation Road. Daily hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. According to Andrea Iglar, the township’s director of communications and community development, the facility will open a concession stand this year. Cashless payments are accepted. Attendants monitor the facility and the area is under video surveillance. Features are designed for children up to age 12. “But all children and adults are welcome to use the amenity,” Iglar said. She added that the solar-powered picnic tables have wireless charging. The splash pad, which opened last July, is adjacent to the Mayview Pavilion, has permanent restrooms and a water fountain.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and Army veteran Rocky Bleier will be the parade marshal at the 91st annual South Hills Memorial Day Parade.
Memorial Day parades, ceremonies mark somber day By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Maddy Tokarczyk (front) and Josie Woleslagle (back) enjoy a refreshing spray of water during last year’s opening day at the new splash park in Bethel Park. The facility will open for the 2025 season on May 24.
“We look forward to the first full summer that the public will be able to enjoy our water feature in our largest township park,” Iglar said. Visit southfayettepa.com for directions, maps, overview and details. Bethel Park’s splash park is also opening for its second season.
The $3.5 million facility features two areas including one for younger children with a river component to float boats and other items as well as a larger area for all ages with various spray toys and water features. The park also includes a snack stand and unisex, air-conditioned restrooms. The facility is ful-
ly staffed during operating hours. Located at Park Avenue, the Splash Park opens May 24. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Season pass holders are admitted at 11 a.m. one hour prior to regular starting hours. SEE SPLASH PAGE A2
Memorial Day may mark the unofficial start to summer, but the holiday is much more meaningful. “A lot of people get misled by it thinking it’s a day for picnics, swimming and summer beginning, but it’s a really important holiday,” said Brian Peitz of Mount Lebanon. “We remember all those who have actually perished in one of our conflicts. Veterans Day, as everyone knows, is in the fall and you celebrate all veterans. This special day actually honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. Men and women who are no longer with us.” For many years as a Boy Scout, Peitz marched in the South Hills Memorial Day Parade (SHMDP). Most recently, he has been part of the parade committee. He currently serves as the vice president of the SHMDP association. Established in 1934, the parade will play a key role in South Hills festivities to be held May 26 as it brings together the communities
Signed and delivered
PHOTOS BY ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC & JIM CROMIE
What’s happening, B3
Real estate transactions, A6
SEE MEMORIAL PAGE A2
The Upper St. Clair School Board approved a proposed final budget for the 2025-26 school year that includes a slight tax increase. School directors unanimously approved a $108,388,976 spending plan on May 5 that sets millage at 31.5150, an increase of .9180 mills or 3%. The annual tax impact of the proposed increase on a $237,300 home, the average assessed home in Upper St. Clair, is $217.84 a year, or $18.15 per month. To calculate the impact of a specific property value, multiply the property’s county assessed value by 0.0009180. Factors impacting the budget include Allegheny County’s common level ratio and compounding increases in medical insurance and retirement contributions. The common level ratio is the metric used
ABOVE: The beam is pictured being hoisted and placed during this time-honored construction tradition. The Bethel Park Elementary School is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. TOP RIGHT: Neil Armstrong Middle School sixth-grade students Hannah Price and Elise McElvenney sign the topping beam. While disappointed they won’t be able to attend classes in the new structure, they are thrilled for the future students. “My brother, Will, is going to be a student there,” McElvenney said. BOTTOM RIGHT: Lianne Fileta and Ava Skerbetz put effort into their signatures because they will be preserved for future generations who will attend the elementary center.
SPORTS SF stumbles, Char Valley charges ahead in playoffs PAGE B1
of Brookline, Dormont and Mount Lebanon. The largest Memorial Day parade in Southwestern Pennsylvania will be preceded by the playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute for a dedication of a special World War I memorial.
USC School Board OKs proposed budget with tax increase
Before the final steel beam was placed atop the new Bethel Park Elementary School building this week, hundreds of children and their families had the opportunity to sign support.
BETHEL PARK Municipality ranked top place to move to in state PAGE A2
Dick Jewell will be the featured speaker during Bethel Park Memorial Day activities. He will deliver remarks at 8:50 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of the municipal building, located on West Library Road. A parade follows at 10 a.m.
SEE BUDGET PAGE A2
SCHOOL NEWS USC High School team wins Esports state title PAGE B3 Classifieds, B4-6