ICYMI: Shapiro Administration Completes $3.4 Million Project to Upgrade Point State Park Months Ahead of Schedule, Well Before NFL Draft

 The Shapiro Administration completed a $3.4 million renovation project at Point State Park months ahead of schedule, delivering major upgrades well before Pittsburgh hosts the 2026 NFL Draft and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Pittsburgh, PA — Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) completed the first phase of improvements at Point State Park, finishing well ahead of the original Spring 2026 timeline. The upgrades enhance safety, functionality, and the visitor experience as the park prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for major events in 2026. DCNR addressed long-standing maintenance needs and completed improvements to the park’s iconic fountain, walkways, utilities, and lighting. 

See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about the upgrades to Point State Park:

Pittsburgh Business Times: Point State Park upgrades finished ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

TribLive: Point State Park upgrades finish early as Pittsburgh preps for 2026 NFL Draft

WPXI: Shapiro administration completes initial upgrades at Point State Park ahead of NFL Draft

WTAJ: Multi-million dollar project complete ahead of 2026 NFL draft

Politico State Affairs: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completes initial Point State Park upgrades

In April 2026, Pittsburgh will host the NFL Draft at Point State Park. Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget includes $50 million to prepare Pennsylvania to welcome millions of visitors for America250 and major sporting events, including $10 million to support the Draft.

As part of the Governor’s 10-year plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, the Shapiro Administration has also committed an additional $25 million for longer-term, Phase 2 improvements at Point State Park, including further upgrades to the landmark fountain and new recreational amenities on the City Side Lawn.  

Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Point State Park and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.

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Media Contacts

Wesley Robinson

Press Secretary 717-877-6315​
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Media

Madalyn Neff

Deputy Communications Director 717-585-3136
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Media

Christina Novak

Director of Communications 717-579-5177
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Media