I call this... a Pittsburgh child of Hippie Hill and Dolores park minus the bums, pot, short shorts, the drum circle and open containers. But this is the busiest, coolest public park spot you'll find to lounge around in the grass, read a book, or catch one of the free movies on Sunday or Wednesday. And unlike the Schenley Oval, the other sun-bathers here are young and someone you might actually enjoy talking to.
If you get hungry, pop into one of CMU's eateries. There is a great coffee stand in Wean Hall on main floor - amazing, frothy lattes!