For over 120 years Second U.P. has been deeply involved in mission and service to the community. The church has, in cooperation with the Borough of Wilkinsburg, been caring for Taylor Park which adjoins the church property. In the last five years the church had a vegetable garden to provide fresh vegetables to the people who are served by its food pantry.
In 2012, the church worked with the Borough of Wilkinsburg, the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, Pittsburgh Permaculture, and the Carnegie Mellon School of Art to design and plant the gardens that beautify the park today.
The food forest contains 25 plum, apple, peach and pear trees along with various berry bushes. Some of the fruit trees are surrounded by permaculture plantings to enhance food production. The park also has a mediation and butterfly garden, as well as plenty of space for dog walking and enjoying outdoor recreation.
