South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association

"Neighbors working together to make the Slopes a more livable, beautiful, and safe community"

Latest Updates

  • StepTrek Art Contest

    Now Accepting Entries!

    Let your creativity climb as high as the South Side Slopes. We’re inviting local artists to create original artwork inspired by Pittsburgh StepTrek and the South Side Slopes—and your design could become the official look of StepTrek 2027.

    Theme

    Create artwork that celebrates:

    • Pittsburgh StepTrek
    • The South Side Slopes
    • Our iconic stairways, hillsides, and neighborhood spirit

    Show us what StepTrek means to you!

    Your artwork can be anything from a scenic illustration to an abstract design—or even text-based art using the words “Pittsburgh StepTrek.”

    For All Ages

    This contest is open to artists of all ages. 

    Winners will be selected in three groups:

    • 10 & under
    • 11-18 years old
    • 19+  

    Important Dates

    • Submission Deadline: September 18
    • Online Voting: September 21 – October 5
    • Winners Announced: October 12

    How to Enter

    • Use any medium: pencils, paints, markers, or digital art
    • Create your artwork using traditional materials (paper or canvas) or create digital art.  
    • Square, portrait, or landscape layout will work
    • Submit your artwork below by September 18, 2026

    Digitizing Traditional Artwork

    If you create traditional art, you’ll need to convert it into a digital file before uploading. You can scan your artwork or take a high‑quality photo of it.

    When photographing your piece, use the best camera available, make sure the lighting is bright and even, and crop the image so only your artwork is visible. Avoid glare, shadows, and background clutter so your work looks its best.  

    Digital art created on a phone, tablet, or computer is also welcome.

    When submitting your file, please name it using your first and last name. Example: brian-smith.jpg

    Content & Originality Guidelines  

    Submitted artwork must be your original creation. No tracing or copying of others’ artwork.

    Fully AI‑generated artwork is not permitted. Artists may use digital tools or software to enhance or refine their original work, but the core artwork must be created by the artist.  

    Teachers may submit artwork on behalf of their students.

    Artwork should be family‑friendly and free of discriminatory, hateful, or political content. We reserve the right to exclude submissions that do not align with the spirit of StepTrek.  

    Recognition & Awards  

    • All artwork will be displayed at StepTrek on October 3, 2026
    • Winners will be announced on October 12, 2026
    • Winning artwork may be featured on StepTrek 2027 t‑shirts, postcards, posters, stickers, merchandise, and graphics used on our website and in our marketing materials.  

    Celebrate Creativity + Community
    StepTrek is a celebration of the South Side Slopes, its beauty, resilience, and people. This contest gives local artists the chance to help shape a beloved Pittsburgh tradition.

    Start creating today. We can’t wait to see your masterpiece!

    Submit Here!

  • April Cleanup – Earth Day

    Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the neighborhood!

    Join us Wednesday April 22 for a Slopes cleanup!

    Meet at the Bandi Schaum Community Garden parking lot at 6:00pm. We will supply bags and gloves.

  • March Meeting Agenda

    The next SSSNA meeting is on Tuesday March 10th at 6:30pm IN PERSON at the Kollar Club (3226 Jane St)

    Agenda:

    ●    State updates

    ●    District updates

    ●    City updates from Mayor O’Connor’s team

    ●    Business District Update

    ●    Board Elections

    ●    Events – Cleanup on 03/11 at St Patrick and S 18th,  First Cleanup April 22nd, Monastery St Mowing 

  • Slopes March Meeting & Board Elections

    Agenda includes:
    Board Elections and Committee Updates

    The meeting will be on Tuesday March 10th at 6:30pm IN PERSON at the Kollar Club (3226 Jane St). 

    Voting Members of SSSNA are eligible to vote at the March Annual Meeting. Voting Members must be eighteen years old or older and have attended at least two meetings, events, or activities convened by the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association in the past year. (See By Laws, Article IV, Section 1.)

  • 2025 Holiday Party

    Attention all South Side Slopes residents! Join us for a festive celebration at the American Serbian Club where we’ll be spreading holiday cheer with good food and great company. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to mingle with neighbors and friends while enjoying the holiday spirit!
    The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association will provide the food (catered by Zenith) and there will be a cash bar available. Capacity is limited so sign up today!
    Have extra to give this holiday season? Our neighborhood partners, The Brashear Association, have shared that while they always appreciate toy donations for their annual toy drive, their food pantry is in great need. You can contribute canned and non-perishable food items (please ensure they are not expired), but their most urgent needs include personal care products such as soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, tissues, diapers (for infants and adults), feminine hygiene products, shaving cream, razors and household cleaning supplies like laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
    You may bring pantry items or an unwrapped toy to the party, or you can drop them off at: The Brashear Association, 320 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210.

  • Welcome New Board Members

    The South Side Neighborhood Association is very excited to introduce new board members Kate Ekmann, Toby Ekmann, and Patrick Joyal.

    Toby and Kate Ekmann

    We thank Gavin Robb and Donna Tarkett for their many years of neighborhood contribution on the South Side Slopes Board of Directors, and we wish them well on their new adventures outside of the neighborhood.

    Please contact info@southsideslopes.org if you are interested in joining the Board or a committee. You must have attended 2 meetings or events in the last year to be eligible to join the Board of Directors. General board elections are in March every year.

  • 2025 Dirty Dozen Watch Party

    On Saturday October 25th, join us on Cobden Street at Eleanor to cheer on Dirty Dozen Riders from 1pm to 4pm. Help serve drinks and snacks at the rider rest stop or just come by and cheer on the athletes.

    The 42nd Annual Dirty Dozen Bicycle Ride up 13 of the Pittsburgh area’s steepest hills. More info on the event: http://www.dannychew.com/ddinfo.html

  • October Meeting Agenda

    The next Slopes general meeting will be on Tuesday October 14th at 6:30pm IN PERSON at the Kollar Club (3226 Jane St)

    Tentative Agenda:

    ● South Side Slopes Greenway (City Planning)

    ● POGOH expansion

    ● Stair Updates

    ● StepTrek Review

    ● City Finance – Literature

    ● New Board Members: Toby and Kate Ekmann

    ● District 3 updates – including Rep Benham and Councilperson Charland’s offices

    ● Upcoming Slopes Events

  • Slopes October Meeting

    The meeting will be on Tuesday October 14th at 6:30pm IN PERSON at the Kollar Club (3226 Jane St). 

  • StepTrek

    StepTrek is Saturday, October 4th! It is the annual fundraiser for the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association. Thanks for supporting our efforts to make the South Side Slopes a more livable, beautiful, and safe community.

    Walk-up registration is at S 21st St and Josephine. See you there!

    Buy your tickets now!