Overview & Orientation
South Park Township is a township in southern Allegheny County, in the South Hills about 12 miles south of Downtown Pittsburgh. It covers about 9 square miles of hilly land. South Park is known for South Park, the large Allegheny County park it shares with Bethel Park, the historic Oliver Miller Homestead, the Library light rail station, the Montour Trail, and the South Park School District.
Where South Park Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Township, formed in 1845 as Snowden Township and renamed South Park in 1966. See South Park Township on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 9.2 square miles
- ZIP code: 15129
- Villages: Library, Broughton, Bruceton, Curry, Piney Fork, and Snowden
- Bordering communities: Baldwin (north), Pleasant Hills and Jefferson Hills (east), Union Township in Washington County (south), and Bethel Park (west)
- Water: Peters Creek and Lick Run flow through the township’s stream valleys.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| South Hills Village | 10–15 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 25–35 minutes |
| Oakland | 30–40 minutes |
| Canonsburg | 30–40 minutes |
| Washington, PA | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
The area was settled in the mid-1700s. The township was formed in 1845 from parts of St. Clair and Jefferson Townships and named Snowden Township, after former Pittsburgh mayor John M. Snowden. Voters renamed it South Park in 1966. The village of Library, once known as Loafer’s Hollow, takes its name from the area’s first library, founded in 1833.
An interurban rail line to the area opened in 1903, and the line to Library was converted to light rail in 1993. The county park was created in 1927, and many of its features were built during the Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. See the history of South Park.
Notable Landmarks
- South Park: An Allegheny County park of more than 2,013 acres across South Park Township and Bethel Park
- Oliver Miller Homestead: A farm dating to 1772, with stone sections from 1808 and 1830, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a stop on the American Whiskey Trail
- Library Trestle: Carries the Montour Trail over Route 88
- National Energy Technology Laboratory: A federal research center in Bruceton
- Library station: The southern end of the light rail Silver Line, with a park-and-ride
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Villages: Curry is a mix of homes and a small commercial area, Broughton is mostly residential with businesses along Brownsville Road, and Piney Fork is a large residential area.
- Adaptive reuse: The former Library School has been renovated into apartments.
- Park setting: Many streets sit near the county park and its wooded hills. Check flood zone status for properties near Peters Creek.
Types of Homes
South Park’s housing ranges from homes in its older villages along Brownsville Road and Route 88 to houses in larger residential areas such as Piney Fork, along with some apartments.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in South Park.
Schools
Public Schools
South Park Township is served by the South Park School District, with offices at 2005 Eagle Ridge Drive, (412) 655-3111. The district shares the township’s boundaries.
- South Park Elementary Center (K–4), 2001 Eagle Pride Lane
- South Park Middle School (5–8), 2500 Stewart Road
- South Park High School (9–12), 2005 Eagle Ridge Drive
Nearby Colleges & Universities
The township’s education page lists nearby schools including the Community College of Allegheny County, Robert Morris University, Point Park University, Duquesne University, Chatham University, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State Greater Allegheny, and the University of Pittsburgh.
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Route 88: The main road through Library’s business corridor
- Brownsville Road: Runs through Broughton toward Pittsburgh
- Piney Fork Road: Connects the township’s residential areas
Public Transit
Library station is the southern end of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Silver Line, with a 430-space park-and-ride. Check the PRT trip planner for current light rail and bus schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Most trips in South Park are by car. For ratings, enter a specific address at Walk Score. The Montour Trail passes through the township on its way between Coraopolis and Clairton.
Things to Do
Parks
Township parks are listed on the township recreation page.
South Park (county park)
An 18-hole golf course, a wave pool, an ice rink, tennis courts, the Game Preserve with its bison, an off-leash dog park, a BMX track, a nature center, about 17 miles of single-track trails, and a mountain bike skills park.
Evans Park
A 50-acre township park on Triphammer Road with seven baseball and softball fields, two soccer fields, and a playground.
Neighborhood parks
Grove Park (playground and pavilion), Highland Park (playground and basketball court), Wilson Park (two softball fields and a playground), and Whitewood Park (a small playground)
Recreation
- Wave pool and ice rink: Seasonal recreation in the county park
- Trails: Mountain biking and hiking in South Park, plus the Montour Trail
- Winter and summer activities: Sledding, horseback riding, and summer concerts in the county park
Annual Events
- Oliver Miller Homestead events (July): Liberty Day and Whiskey Rebellion Day at the historic homestead, which is also open Sunday afternoons from mid-May to early December
- Summer concerts: Held in the county park
See the township website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Library (Route 88): The township’s main commercial corridor
- Brownsville Road: Businesses in Broughton
- South Hills Village: A large shopping center 10 to 15 minutes away
Library
The South Park Township Library is at 2575 Brownsville Road, (412) 833-5585, on the lower level of the municipal building. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Local Services & Resources
South Park Township Municipal Building
2675 Brownsville Road, South Park, PA 15129
Phone: (412) 831-7000
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: southparktwp.com
Board of Supervisors: The second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. See officials and boards.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: County Hauling, (724) 929-7694. Trash is collected weekly and recycling every other week.
- Water: Pennsylvania American Water
- Sewer: Billed by the township, (412) 831-7000
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- South Park Police: Non-emergency (412) 473-3056. See township services.
- Fire: Broughton Volunteer Fire Department, (412) 655-4844, and Library Volunteer Fire Department, (412) 835-7114
- EMS: Tri-Community South EMS, shared with Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Jefferson Hospital (Jefferson Hills)
- St. Clair Hospital (Mt. Lebanon)
Permits & Zoning
Building permits and zoning go through the township’s code enforcement office at (412) 831-7000. The Planning Commission meets the fourth Wednesday and the Zoning Hearing Board the third Wednesday of each month. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is South Park Township in?
South Park Township is in Allegheny County, in the South Hills south of Pittsburgh.
Is South Park Township the same as South Park, the county park?
Not exactly. South Park Township is a municipality. South Park is an Allegheny County park that lies partly in the township and partly in Bethel Park.
What school district serves South Park Township?
The South Park School District, which shares the township’s boundaries.
How long is the drive from South Park to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 25 to 35 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
Is there light rail in South Park Township?
Yes. Library station is the southern end of the Silver Line and has a park-and-ride.
What is there to do in South Park?
The county park has a wave pool, ice rink, golf course, trails, a dog park, and the Game Preserve. The Oliver Miller Homestead and the Montour Trail are also nearby.
What was South Park Township called before?
Snowden Township. Voters changed the name to South Park in 1966.
Where is the South Park Township library?
The South Park Township Library is at 2575 Brownsville Road, (412) 833-5585.
Where is the South Park Township municipal building?
The municipal building is at 2675 Brownsville Road, South Park, PA 15129. The phone number is (412) 831-7000.
Thinking About a Move to South Park?
Whether you are buying in South Park or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current South Park listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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