Family’s Treasured Homestead Conserved For All To Enjoy

By Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis
Director of Land Protection

On June 30, 2004, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy purchased and protected 14.14 acres that harbor a slice of local history, wooded hillsides and critically important open space. Formerly known as Malli’s Grove, the property in South Park Township will be conveyed to Allegheny County as an expansion of South Park.

The Malli family used the land as their residence from approximately 1920 to 2002. All of the Malli siblings were born and raised on the property, which once held a picnic pavilion where the local community gathered for weddings, dances and other events. Neighbors tended garden plots there, and the Mallis raised chickens and enjoyed woodworking.

Reflecting on her early life at Malli’s Grove, Alice Barthauer had this to say:

“Our place was the greatest place for four children (one boy and three girls) to be raised. Although we may not have had material things, we were rich with our surroundings. The park was our neighbor. We would take fresh tomatoes from our garden, mother’s homemade bread and walk to the park for a picnic and a ride on the swings. At that time we could go without having to worry about abduction or anything else that goes on these days. We enjoyed what life should be all about. Our parents worked hard and struggled to keep the place. It is a privilege to see the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy buy it in memory of our parents, Joe and Mary Malli. They look down upon it now and know that the struggle was all worth it—a job well done.”

Alice’s siblings share in this sentiment.

The slopes of the tract are primarily wooded and all public utilities are available nearby. In addition, it lies adjacent to one of South Park’s golf courses so there was growing interest in the land for housing development. Acquisition of the property for conservation uses was essential to provide a buffer for the park and maintain needed green space in South Park Township.

This addition will bring the acreage in South Park to over 2,000 acres, offering recreation and open space to residents of southern Allegheny County. The park features an in-line skating rink, 33 lighted tennis courts, an ice rink, wave pool, ball fields, shelters, a nature center, trails and two golf courses.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is pleased to assist Allegheny County in acquiring this property. WPC partners frequently with public agencies to conserve open space for public recreation and enjoyment. We are extremely grateful to the Richard King Mellon Foundation for providing financial assistance to make this project possible, and for its partnership in conserving thousands of acres across western Pennsylvania.

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