Apr 2, 2007 8:45 pm US/Eastern
Point State Park Closed For Year-Long Makeover
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
If you were thinking about attending some of the big annual summer events at Point State Park this year, then you better make some alternative plans.
This year The Point is closed down to visitors for a year-long makeover.
The Riverlife Task Force is a part of the public-private partnership that is handling the renovations.
"We're right on schedule and things are moving right along for a January 10th completion of the first phase of the project," says Edward Patton, of the Riverlife Task Force.
However, the changes have left event planners trying to find alternative places to hold their celebrations.
"For this coming summer, the usual big signature events that we all love to celebrate in Point State Park are making other arrangements," says Lisa Schroeder, of the Riverlife Task Force.
The Country Jamboree has been canceled for this year, while the annual Regatta is being scaled
back. And if you planned on watching the 4th of July fireworks from Point State Park you will have find a seat on the other side of the river.
The Three Rivers Arts Festival will kick off as scheduled on June 6, but there will be changes. Instead of the food concession stands for the event being located in Point State Park, the stands may be put in the Golden Triangle, which could involve some closings to surrounding streets.
"Is it inconvenient? Yes it is," says Schroeder. "But we are sure, as has been the case in so many cities, this kind of investment creates a public space and a center for people of all ages that changes life forever."
But this $30 million project also includes significant upgrades to the park's shorefront and fountain.
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