Point State Park Named Among Great Public Spaces Of 2014

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - One of Pittsburgh's green spaces has earned a new distinction by the American Planning Association (APA).

At the center of the city stands a fabulous fountain spraying 150 feet into the air where the Three Rivers flow.

There's also a pre-Revolutionary War blockhouse and a great lawn green against the skyline.

"It's very peaceful down here. It's nice to get away from campus," says Brian Marsonek while enjoying the park with fellow student Gabrielle Casarcia.

Stroll through Point State Park and you'll pass by 54,000 native plants, some growing there since the mid-18th century.

Maybe we take it all for granted, but apparently somebody is taking notice.

Point State Park has been selected as one of the 10 great public spaces in the entire country. The designation comes from the American Planning Association.

The new honor will mean national publicity for Pittsburgh, and that translates into a boost for the economy.

"For every dollar we invest in our state parks, we get about $12 back in communities. We've done studies to show that. We can definitely see an economic impact," says Ellen Ferretti, the secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The wraps are barely off the 18 month, multi-million-dollar renovation of the park's 36 acres.

It was dubbed a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

But this latest honor puts it among some fancy company including: Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island; Lake Mirror Park in Lakeland, Florida, and the Lawn at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Riverlife President Luisa Schrowder is elated.

"To have it recognized in such amazing company and as a national treasure was really beyond belief," said Schrowder.

And that makes us picture perfect.

Since the program's launch in 2007, the APA has designated 230 places around the country that help foster positive growth in their communities.

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