May 30, 2008 1:40 pm US/Eastern
Improved Point State Park Reopens In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) ―
For more than one year, Point State Park has been closed for $7 million in renovations, but the popular Pittsburgh spot is now reopened.
The triangular park at the confluence of the city's three rivers has been closed since October 2006. But a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held earlier today to mark the end of the first phase of renovations.
"This park is our 250th anniversary gift to the city of Pittsburgh and it is well worth it. It's our pleasure to be here. It's a pleasure to have given this money. It's our pleasure to see how well the first stage of this project rolled out," said Gov. Ed Rendell. "It's our pleasure to say Happy Birthday, Pittsburgh."
"So much has been made over the past year about Pittsburgh being America's Most Livable City. I know so many under this tent are so excited and proud of that honor," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. "I'm convinced that we would not have been given that designation, and the only city to be given that designation twice, if it weren't for our green space, our parks."
Officials say a portion of the park will stay closed through the fall so that more trees and shrubs can be planted and additional work can be completed.
But the fountain is back in business and visitors can still get to it through the park's wharf areas along the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers.
Visitors can expect a number of changes including a larger lawn area, new benches, wide stone walkways, decorative lighting, a footbridge connecting the park to the North Shore and Wi-Fi Access.
The park was once the site of historic Fort Pitt. A moat and wall that zigzagged through the park has been filled in, though an outline of the battlements does remain traced in concrete.
Stay with KDKA for much more details.
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