The Vale of Cashmere Work Party Photo Gallery

The Vale of Cashmere was designed by Swiss-born landscape architect Paul B. Riis and constructed by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. There were originally five pools connected by a series of winding stone channels where people came to relax, wade and enjoy the serenity of this enchanting area.

The Vale is especially beautiful in the early spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

The Vale of Cashmere was named after the beautiful valley in India known as the Vale of Kashmir.  See also poem entitled "India:  The Vale of Cashmere" written by Thomas Moore. Major Henry Hornbostel, Director, Department of Parks, is quoted as saying "there is one little valley with tiny lakes, a place in South Park which is known as the Vale of Cashmere, and this is the proudest showplace that I know. It is one of the most sentimental bits of landscaping yet produced."1 The Inspector's Report, Department of Weights and Measures (for the year 1936), described the Vale of Cashmere as " a beauty spot of jewel-like appearance and proportion."2 1Pittsburgh Press, August 31, 1938 2Inspector's Report Department of Weights and Measures, 1936

Our vision for restoring the Vale of Cashmere began in 2014.  In 2017, the Paul Riis Legacy Preservation Volunteers were formed and work to excavate the long-buried pool, stone channels and dam began. 

After 1-1/2 years, on November 17, 2018, we finished the excavation of the first pool, first series of stone channels and the spillway through the efforts of 30+ volunteers. 

We are now in maintenance mode and still need to continue to hold monthly work parties throughout the spring and summer months to keep the stonework free of weeds, brush and other debris.  Please join us in helping to maintain this very special area of the park.

The links below document what the Vale looked like in 2014 and what has been accomplished since that time.

Photo Gallery   Sept. 5, 2020 (A huge tree fell that was worthy of some photos to include in the gallery.) May 25, 2019 November 17,2018 October Cancelled Due to Rain Sept. 29, 2018 Sept. 9, 2018, After the Heavy Rains August 25, 2018 July 28, 2018 June 30, 2018 June 21, 2018, Morning After the Flooding May 26, 2018 April 21, 2018 April 14, 2018 March 31, 2018 March 21, 2018, After the Snow March 19, 2018 March 11, 2018 February 16, 2018, Pictures Taken After the Heavy Rains September 30, 2017 August 27, 2017 July 15, 2017 April 26, 2017 April 2014     Click Photo to Enlarge   The photo to the right is what the Vale looked like in April 2017

The Photo Below is from Sept. 2018 (Click to Enlarge)