Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today joined Pittsburgh city leaders for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic fountain at Point State Park.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pittsburgh Mayor Gainey proclaimed August 28 “Point State Park Fountain Day” at the state and city level, respectively, in honor of the fountain turning 50.
"More than 1.8 million people visit Point State Park each year and this fountain is often the destination for people looking to take in the beauty of this city and the three rivers,” Secretary Dunn said. “The fountain is a meeting place, for friends and families to gather and enjoy a natural space with mature trees and a sweeping lawn in the heart of a bustling city while watching boats drift by as the sun sets over the water. This iconic landmark is an integral part of the Pittsburgh story and I am excited to be here celebrating this fountain and the value it adds to this wonderful urban park.”
Recognizing the importance of the economic and many other benefits of outdoor recreation to the Commonwealth, Governor Shapiro launched the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2023 and an Outdoor Business Alliance in 2024.
To improve public lands, the Commonwealth's 2024-25 budget builds on the success of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps with a $5 million investment in an effort to diversify and strengthen conservation career and workforce pathways for young people and protect our natural resources.
Point State Park’s Fountain was dedicated by the Commonwealth on August 30, 1974. Its design is an ode to the city’s three rivers as a Point of Confluence, a Point of Conflict and a Point of Renewal.
It was first turned on at the start of the July 23, 1974 Major League Baseball All Star Game at Three Rivers Stadium.
“The impact of the iconic fountain at Point State Park on residents and visitors alike can never be underestimated,” Mayor Gainey said. “For decades it has played a vital role in this great city’s celebrations, serving as a beautiful backdrop to some of life’s most memorable moments. Whether you’re catching a view from the slopes of Mount Washington or entering the city for the first time through the Fort Duquesne bridge, the Point State Park Fountain is a historic landmark that I know will continue to be a focal point for people to enjoy and a place where special moments will be made for years to come.”
Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Point State Park Fountain, thanks to an exciting collaboration with Eat’n Park.
From now through September 8, a special commemorative cookie collection is available for purchase at SmileyCookie.com.
Eat’n Park’s partnership was front and center at today’s press event -- with commemorative cookies onsite and distributed to park guests.
“For a half a century, the fountain at Point State Park has stood as a centerpiece for our city,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “Every single day – rain or shine – residents and visitors alike bask in the beauty of Point State Park and take their photos in front of the iconic fountain. The Point is a place where families gather, where friends meet, and where hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of our city. We look forward to the continued legacy and promotion of this incredible landmark now and for generations to come.”
The fountain was built in the final phase of construction of Point State Park, which officially opened in 1974 -- more than 130 years after Pittsburgh Mayor Jonas R. McClintock proposed in his inaugural address that a historic park be built at the Point.
Early city planner and renowned landscape architect, Fredric Law Olmsted Jr., had urged Pittsburgh to “to rise to its opportunity and nobly form the Point into a great monument,” paving the way for the park and its signature attraction.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completed renovations for the fountain in 2013, adding an inner ring with an infinity edge, new lighting, raising and resurfacing the fountain plaza, resurfacing steps, new railings, renovation of fountain operation systems, adding second story to pump house and restroom building, and renovating the restrooms.
Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark located at the confluence of three rivers, known as Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle.”
The department works in collaboration with the Heinz History Center and the Fort Pitt Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to interpret the history of the Forks of the Ohio.
The Fort Pitt Museum on the park is a two-floor, 12,000-square-foot museum that tells the story of western Pennsylvania’s pivotal role during the French and Indian War, American Revolution and the birth of Pittsburgh.
State parks like Point offer fantastic outdoor and historic experiences that truly make Pennsylvania -- The Great American Getaway.
Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting 164,344 jobs, and accounting for 1.8 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Visit the department's website for more information about Point State Park and check out the new calendar of events for the latest happenings on public lands.
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