Point State Park to Undergo $3.4M Transformation Ahead of 2026 Celebrations

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PITTSBURGH, PA — Major upgrades are coming to Point State Park in Pittsburgh as part of a $3.4 million investment by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The improvements aim to prepare the park for several high-profile events in 2026, including the NFL Draft and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The planned enhancements include repairs to walkways and hardscapes, utility upgrades, and refurbishment of landscaping across the park. Significant work will also be carried out on the park’s iconic fountain, including replacing its lighting fixtures and controllers, along with fixing leaks. Other improvements will focus on the City Side Lawn, flag bastion, and the parking lot, with a focus on repairs and lighting upgrades.

“These important upgrades to Point State Park’s infrastructure are critical to ensuring it remains one of Pennsylvania’s most visited places and a staple of Pittsburgh’s culture,” said DCNR State Parks Director John Hallas. He also expressed confidence in the positive impact of the upgrades, noting, “Once these upgrades are complete, Point State Park will be better than ever before.”

DCNR has announced plans to begin accepting construction bids in early 2025. Work is scheduled to commence in May 2025 and continue through the spring of 2026. During this time, the park will be unable to host large-scale events. Certain facilities and recreational areas may also experience temporary closures or reduced accessibility. Despite the construction, key amenities like the Great Allegheny Passage trail, Fort Pitt Museum, Fort Pitt Blockhouse, and public restrooms will remain open for visitors.

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Representative Aerion Abney emphasized the park’s importance to the local community, stating, “The Point has a proud and storied historical, cultural, and recreational significance to Pittsburgh. I’m thrilled that these funds will help beautify this land, so visitors and neighbors alike can experience all it has to offer for generations.”

Located at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, Point State Park is a 36-acre National Historic Landmark. Known for its striking fountain and rich history, the park is a pivotal space for recreation and historic commemoration. These upgrades ensure its continued prominence in hosting celebrations and welcoming visitors for decades to come.

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