In October, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that $600 million would be invested in downtown Pittsburgh over a 10-year strategic plan. One of the major projects set to start in 2025 is Point State Park, and on Thursday Channel 11 News learned new details about what upgrades will take place.
John Hallas, director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), announced today that Point State Park will undergo significant upgrades in preparation for major events in 2026, including the NFL Draft and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The $3.4 million project includes:
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Repairs to walkways and hardscapes
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Fountain lighting upgrades
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Repairs, improvements and lighting upgrades to the City Side Lawn, Flag Bastion and Parking Lot
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Refreshing the landscape throughout the park
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Replacement of fountain lighting and controller
In a press release, Hallas issued the following statement about the project: “These major 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 remains,” Hallas said. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to improve this beautiful park in preparation for our nation’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 NFL Draft and other major events that Point will host in the future. We are confident that once these upgrades are complete, Point State Park will be better than ever before.”
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, officials shared that the park will not be able to host large events during renovations, but will be open.
“There will be access to the park, we guarantee access to the Fort Pitt Museum, the restrooms will be open, as well as access in and around the Monongahela and Allegheny yards,” Hallas assured.
DCNR plans to open construction bids in early 2025, with work scheduled from May 2025 through spring 2026. Updates will be available on DCNR’s website or through the park office.
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