Pittsburgh today celebrated the transformation of one of its more notorious eyesores into an amenity, as federal, state and local dignitaries dedicated the 2,017-foot walking and cycling trail at the Monongahela Wharf, Downtown.

"We took down a parking lot and put up maybe not paradise, but a fine civic amenity," said Lisa Schroeder, executive director of Riverlife, the project developer, referencing a 1970s Joni Mitchell song.

"When I thought of the Mon Wharf, I thought parking. I thought flooding," Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said. "We've changed that today."

Also attending were U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills, County Executive Dan Onorato, PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler, Col. Mike Crall of the Army Corps of Engineers, Point Park University President Paul Hennigan and about 200 spectators, some on bicycles or in-line skates.

The $3 million project renovated the rim of the wharf with a concrete-and-bluestone surface, bordered by a ribbon of elevated landscaping that features native trees and grasses. It is the first of three phases -- the others are connections to Point State Park and the Smithfield Street Bridge walkway that are scheduled for construction starting next year.

When those pieces are in place, Point State Park will be linked to the Great Allegheny Passage, part of a 335-mile trail that extends to Washington, D.C.

The wharf walkway and landscaping were designed to withstand the flooding that occurs periodically. The project included installation of connections for high-pressure hoses that will be used to wash away debris and mud after the river recedes.

The project consumed about 150 of the wharf's 700 parking spaces.

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