Group examines former Cold War missile sites
Share with others:
It was a history lesson and a field trip that brought dozens of people to the Friends of North Park meeting on a cold and damp April 5.
"There are about 60 here and that is definitely our largest group since I've been involved. We usually have about 25," said Gary Rigdon, chairman of the group and Friends member since 2000.
The group gathered at the Allegheny County Police and Fire Academy in North Park for a presentation about the Nike Missile Site, located behind the academy. Robert Skertich and Tom Koedel, amateur historians, led the discussion and the site visit Tuesday night.
The two explained the Greater Pittsburgh area had been home to several missile sites during the Cold War. The site in North Park was part of The Nike Project and was known as the P1-92 Byrant site, a 41-acre tract, according to the two men. There was another nearby site on Peebles Road, next to what is now Hosack Elementary School in North Allegheny School District. The school district is in the process of accepting deed to that land -- about 11 acres -- from the Department of Defense, a district spokeswoman said, and plans discussed in 2008 called for it to be turned into ball fields and a playground
By day, Mr. Skertich, who has a doctorate, is a professor at Point Park University teaching public administration. But he is also chief of the volunteer fire department in Hampton and a longtime resident of the North Hills. Formerly of Hampton, Mr. Skertich now lives in Shaler and has been interested in the local missile sites for years.
Mr. Skertich also teaches at the police and fire academy, along with fellow missile "expert" retired Ross police officer and resident, Tom Koedel. "I actually live right by the Ross Park Mall, which was a military site back then," said Mr. Koedel.
According to Mr. Rigdon, Friends member Mary Bates is interested in local history with a particular emphasis on North Park history, and she suggested a presentation by Mr. Skertich.
First Published April 14, 2011 6:04 am
