Point Reopening May 8th
Thursday, June 05, 2008

After being closed to boaters and the public during the summer of 2007 for renovations, Point State Park just reopened after the completion of the first phase of improvements.. However, the project is far from complete, which means access to the park from the water will be closed again sometime this fall.

“Point State Park is a tremendous part of the city’s efforts to use its green spaces and its connection to its rivers as a tool in its renaissance,” Governor Ed Rendell said. “With these and additional improvements to come, the park, once at the center of river travel, trade and even wars throughout the early history of Pittsburgh, is now a stunning waterfront gathering spot that will add to the daily lives of countless people who live and work in the city, as well as those who visit this unique, historic place.”

Although some parts of the park are still closed, the majority is open for use by the public. Currently underway on the water side of the park, in the area known as the Woodlands, is the planting of 7,000 native trees and shrubs that is consistent with the original 1950s design for the park. The initial phase of the improvement plan took a year to complete at a cost of $7.1 million.


Improvements to the park are being completed in several phases. New features at the park after the first phase of improvements include:

• A new lawn area on the city side of the park for daily recreational uses and performances;


• Landscaping, benches, pathways and lighting;
• New irrigation, drainage and electrical systems;
• Electric and water hookups for vendors at events;
• A new stage pad; and
• Renovations to the reflecting pool mechanical systems.

An additional $25 million in state capital budget funds will be allocated for work at the park, which will be added to private and foundation support for the work.

“Supported by a combination of state investments and business and private donations, additional phases of work to be done at Point State Park will be upgrades to the Monongahela and Allegheny promenades along the wharfs to include water landings and marine tie ups; installations that interpret the history, indigenous cultures and natural resources of the park; trail connections; and a major overhaul of the city’s iconic fountain in the park,” said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.

The design of these improvements has just been finished and bids for the work will go out soon. The next phase is expected to begin sometime this fall. This will mark the end of boater access to the park until the improvements are completed.

Point State Park is owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is managed and maintained by the City of Pittsburgh. An estimated 3 million people visit Point State Park each year.


Submitted by: Terry Grantz

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