John Beale, Post-Gazette Flying Scot sailboats race on the Allegheny River as part of the Three Rivers Regatta.

By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh's waterways have always been essential to the city's psyche, but they are also playing a part in its rebirth: One of the signs is the increasing activity on or along the three rivers during the warm-weather season.

From a new, environmentally friendly boat being launched by the Pittsburgh Voyager line (one of the first of its kind in the world) to new water trails to a distinction from state government this year, the rivers have been reasserted as a central place for Pittsburghers both to play and show off their city.

That return to the rivers is also paying off economically, with hundreds of units of riverside housing and office developments being built with ready access to the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela. More than 800 housing units are going up right now near Downtown alone.

"We're seeing an extraordinary boom right now in riverfront development and amenities," said Lisa Schroeder, executive director of the Riverlife Task Force.

The pull of recreation on the cleaned-up rivers is helping lead people back.

	Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Click photo for larger image.

Allegheny County has long been a center for river recreation: The state Fish & Boat Commission registered more than 26,000 motorized vessels in the county last year, by far the most of any in the state. It has almost twice as many boats as the second-place finisher, Bucks County, outside Philadelphia, and is among the top 10 boat-owning counties in the nation, said the commission's Dennis Tubbs.

Why does the county have so many boats?

"All of the water," Tubbs said. "[The numbers] dropped a little last year after flooding, but it's rebounding. The water quality is better, and it's more enjoyable to be on the water."

A wave of good will

There are great, clean waterways across Western Pennsylvania with loads of recreational uses, but Pittsburgh's trio of rivers is getting extra attention this year, one year after they hosted the CITGO Bassmaster Classic.

The state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has named the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Pennsylvania's 2006 "Rivers of the Year." The distinction is "the result of increased work and focus by conservation and recreation organizations, including waterfront access and connections, recreation programming, and water quality improvements on the three rivers," the department said.

Water trails

New markers by Friends of the Riverfront are highlighting that waterfront access. The group has marked eight sites with vibrant red signs -- shaped like oars -- for putting in small vessels such as canoes, kayaks and jet skis into the waterways.

Darrell Sapp, Post-Gazette The new signs erected by Friends of the Riverfront at Riverfront Park on the South Side look like a big red oar. Click photo for larger image.

The group plans to release a guide to such sites and nearby water trails by July. Water trails are ways of enjoying rivers, with access points for getting back onto land, storing watercraft and touring points of interest inland. They also usually have parking nearby.

River ventures

In conjunction with this year's "Rivers of the Year" distinction, DCNR is helping promote a river "sojourn" Aug. 10-12 to promote environmental, recreational, tourist and historical aspects of each of the three rivers.

The major kickoff to this year's river recreation season -- for both beginners and hard-core outdoors types -- is the Venture Outdoors Festival May 20, near Heinz Field on the North Shore. Coming at the end of Western Pennsylvania's Great Outdoors week, the Saturday event features free use of kayaks, canoes, fishing gear, bicycles and other riverfront-themed gear, plus information booths by more than 90 outdoors groups.

	Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette Click photo for larger image.

Venture Outdoors began its kayak rentals on the Allegheny River by PNC Park this weekend and over the summer will offer special morning, lunchtime and happy-hour guided kayak paddles. Special paddles are being planned during the Home Run Derby during July's All-Star festivities and other events.

The nonprofit group also has started its $5 "TriAnglers" fishing program every Wednesday in Point State Park, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"Our basic mission is to get people outside, to share with and show people what a great place Western Pennsylvania is for natural resources," said Venture Outdoors' Rob Walters. "You don't have to have to be a hard-core gear type -- we're really beginner friendly."

Environmentally correct

Bill Wade, Post-Gazette In August, Pittsburgh Voyager will launch a green-engineered boat, one of the first of its kind in the world. Click photo for larger image.

The education and tour group Pittsburgh Voyager marks the season with the launch of its first "green boat."

Like the environmentally friendly David L. Lawrence Convention Center on the south bank of the Allegheny -- the largest green certified building in the world -- the 150-passenger vessel will use efficient energy sources and eliminate wastewater and emissions discharge. The boat, expected to launch in August, will have a diesel-electric motor (like those in hybrid cars).

"It's one of the first green-passengered vehicles of its kind in the world. It's a major step for Pittsburgh," said Karl Thomas, Pittsburgh Voyager's executive director.

Voyager currently has three boats, docked by the Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore, which it uses for educational, environmental and historical tours of the rivers. It also is host to summer youth camps.

More water ways

Those are just some upcoming recreation highlights. Other options and events on or along the rivers include:

River tours by the Gateway Clipper (locally) and the Delta Queen (for longer river trips).
Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta and July 4 celebration, July 1-4, Point State Park.
Major League Baseball All-Star Game weekend, July 7-11.
Dollar Bank Jamboree, July 29, Point State Park.
Pittsburgh Triathlon, Aug. 6, North Shore.
Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival, Sept. 16, South Side.
Head of the Ohio rowing races, Oct. 7, North Shore.

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Correction/Clarification: (Published May 10, 2006) The 2006 Head of the Ohio Regatta has been rescheduled for Oct. 7. This story as originally published on May 7, 2006 said the race was set for Sept. 30.