HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials announced that major upgrades to Point State Park have been completed months ahead of schedule, positioning one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic landmarks for a surge of national attention in 2026 as the city prepares to host the NFL Draft and events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said the first phase of improvements at the 36-acre park wrapped up well before the original Spring 2026 target, following a $3.4 million investment focused on infrastructure repairs, safety, and aesthetics.
The work included fixing leaks and upgrading lighting at the park’s signature fountain, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2024, along with repairs to walkways, utilities, and hardscapes. Crews also completed lighting and surface improvements on the City Side Lawn and flag bastion, refreshed landscaping throughout the park, and reopened the adjacent parking lot to the public.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the accelerated timeline reflects the Shapiro administration’s push to deliver visible results ahead of major events expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to downtown Pittsburgh next year.
Point State Park sits at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers and is a National Historic Landmark. It is expected to serve as a focal point during the 2026 NFL Draft in April and America250 celebrations later that year.
The early completion of Phase 1 sets the stage for a second phase that includes an additional $25 million investment as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s 10-year plan to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh. Planned work includes further upgrades to the fountain and new recreational amenities on the City Side Lawn.
State officials say the broader revitalization strategy, launched in October 2024, has already attracted nearly $600 million in public and private investment. That includes $62.6 million from the Commonwealth, $27.1 million from local government, and more than $376 million in private capital, with the effort expected to generate more than 3,500 construction jobs over four years.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato praised the early completion, saying it restores full use of one of the city’s most visible public spaces ahead of a packed 2026 calendar.
The improvements come as Pennsylvania ramps up preparations for a statewide tourism push. The governor’s 2025–26 budget set aside $50 million to support America250 events and other major sporting attractions, including $10 million tied directly to the NFL Draft. State tourism officials estimate tourism generated nearly $84 billion for Pennsylvania’s economy in 2024, with a significant increase expected in 2026.
As part of that effort to showcase Pennsylvania’s outdoor assets, DCNR also announced that more than 60 free, guided First Day Hikes will take place across the Commonwealth on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The hikes will be held in 49 state parks and three forest districts, offering routes typically ranging from one to two miles, with options designed for families, seniors, and pets. DCNR staff and trained volunteers will lead the hikes during daylight hours as part of a nationwide initiative encouraging people to start the new year outdoors.
Participating locations span every region of the state and include destinations such as Ohiopyle, Presque Isle, Cook Forest, Delaware Canal, and Point State Park itself. All Pennsylvania state parks and forests remain free and open to the public year-round.
State officials said the early park upgrades and the New Year’s Day hiking initiative reflect a broader strategy to strengthen outdoor recreation, support tourism, and ensure Pennsylvania is ready for an unprecedented global spotlight in 2026.
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