DCNR has completed the first phase of significant improvements to Point State Park months ahead of schedule, as the park prepares for major events in 2026, including the NFL Draft and the nation’s 250th anniversary. In April 2026, Pittsburgh will host hundreds of thousands of sports fans at Point State Park for the NFL Draft.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources made repairs to address leaks and to improve the lighting to the iconic fountain, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Other significant upgrades as a part of a $3.4 million project include:
- Repairs to walkways and hardscapes
- Utility repairs
- Repairs, improvements, and lighting upgrades on the City Side Lawn, flag bastion, and parking lot
- Refreshing of landscaping throughout the park
“We are excited to announce that the first round of upgrades to Point State Park have been completed well ahead of schedule,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
The parking lot adjacent to Point State Park has reopened for public use.
The 10-year plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh includes an additional $25 million investment in longer-term projects at Point State Park, including additional updates to the park’s landmark fountain and new recreational activities on the cityside lawn. The second phase of work at the park is a part of a broader 10-year strategy, uniting Pittsburgh’s private sector, local government, corporate leaders, and nonprofits behind a plan to build more housing, revitalize public spaces, and improve safety, cleanliness, and affordability Downtown.
“We are thrilled to see these Phase 1 improvements to Point State Park be completed well ahead of schedule in preparation to host the 2026 NFL Draft, showing once again that the Shapiro Administration is all-in on the revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger.
The $25 million Phase 2 investment focuses on longer-term projects at Point State Park, including additional updates to the park’s landmark fountain and new recreational activities on the cityside lawn.
