Landscape Hardscape Urban Development: Award of Merit

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Photo by Dave DiCello

Point State Park Renovation, Phase 4

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Due to long-term deterioration from severe flooding and other harsh weather, Pittsburgh's Point State Parka National Historic Landmarkwas in great need of renovation. The $35-million renovation of the 36-acre park included lawn and woodland restoration, wharf reconstruction, updating utilities and construction of a cafe.

The project's fourth and final phase focused on the Point Park fountain. A main goal was to upgrade the fountain's central water column system so that it could regain its peak height of 150 ft. Crews also installed a new 154-ft-dia inner basin ring that achieves an infinity-edge appearance between the fountain's pool and the nearby river.

Point State Park is surrounded on three sides by water and, on the fourth side, borders the city's business district. Interstate 279 also crosses overhead, further constraining access.

The park is the pre-Revolutionary War site of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt. Because of the park's landmark designation, crews had to take special precautions to protect historical artifacts.

The park, which hosts an average of three million visitors a year, had to remain open to the public throughout construction, even though nearly every surface was being renovated.

The renovation was the largest park project ever undertaken by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Landscape Hardscape Urban Development: Award of Merit