Point State Park in Pittsburgh Provides Space for Recreation and Relaxation

Point State Park is a 36-acre public park in Pittsburgh, located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. A registered National Historic Landmark, the park - which was opened in 1974 - is operated by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. The site where the park sits was once the location of several different industrial operations. Today, Point State Park lies in the heart of Three Rivers Park, a 13-mile loop of trails and park spaces that are currently under development along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers.

As well as serving the recreational needs of Pittsburgh residents as the city's largest public park, Point State Park is full of history. It includes the remains of Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne as well as the associated French village and cemetery. The Fort Pitt Museum, which is located in Fort Pitt's Monongahela Bastion, educates visitors about the French and Indian War and the importance of the Pittsburgh area as a major battlefield of the war.

While the park remained a popular recreation area for decades, it experienced a considerable amount of decline by the beginning of the 21st century. Part of the reason for the deterioration of the park was because it had become the prime location for major outdoor events within the city. As Point State Park was not designed to hold large crowds, they took their toll on the park. In 2006, city officials proposed a major park renovation which included improvements to the park's landmark fountain, addition of seating areas, addition of kiosks and concessions, an improved riverwalk, and much more. The park closed for 18 months and reopened in the spring of 2008 but portions of the park remained closed on occasion as renovations continue.

Today, the park is still improving and can be better enjoyed by visitors. One of the centerpieces of Point Park is the 200-foot-diamater fountain that sits at the headwaters of the Ohio River. The fountain sprays water up to 150 feet in the air and draws its water from an underground river that runs below the park.

Paved wharfs along the riverfront provide places from which to enjoy the beauty of the river and fishing and boating are available there. There's also a system of bike trails that connect the park with other portions of the city. There are no playgrounds and organized sports are not allowed within the boundaries of the park in order to protect the rights and safety of others using the park.

Point Park is the site of the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival, which generally occurs during the first two weeks of June. The festival features artists, live musical performances, dance and theater performances, and visual arts installations. It often draws a crowd in excess of a half million people. The park is also the site of the annual Dollar Bank Jamboree and the yearly Light Up Night, where visitors gather to enjoy the lighting of the city's Christmas tree.