‘Tree of Lights’ will return to Pittsburgh’s Point State Park in 2021 after all

PITTSBURGH — The Tree of Lights will return to Pittsburgh’s Point State Park next year!

Duquesne Light said it planned to retire the 80-foot display after the 2020 holiday season, but Pittsburghers did not want to see that happen. One man even started a petition to save it which garnered nearly 10,000 signatures.

The tree dates back to 1988. The plans to get rid of the tree centered on concern that it violated the historical significance of the park.

“We want our kids and grandkids and generations to come to experience the beauty that we have and the hope and joy that its brought to all of us,” said Pete Linko, who created the online petition.

In a news release, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Duquesne Light Company said they have “heard the people of Pittsburgh” and agreed the tree will return in 2021.

Point State Park and DLC will work together to try to find a solution to design a new tree of similar size that is more energy efficient. They also want to “lighten the impact that the set-up, take-down and appropriate methods of securing the tree into the ground have on the important archeological area and other aspects of the park.”

“Thank you to the many members of our community who spoke up and demonstrated the importance of the ‘Tree of Lights’ at Point State Park to our region. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to ensure the tree remains for years to come,” DLC President and CEO Steve Malnight said.

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