Duquesne Light, HeroX launch contest to replace 'Tree of Lights' at Point State Park
Duquesne Light Co. and HeroX, a platform for crowd-sourced solutions, are looking for some bright ideas.
The companies announced a competition called “Reimagining the Duquesne Light Company Tree of Lights” on Thursday.
The challenge is for someone to design an iconic holiday light display to replace the “Tree of Lights” inside Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh. The illuminated tree near the fountain, which can be viewed from various vantage points of the city, will be retired.
“We know that change is sometimes difficult because Pittsburgh loves that tree, but change can be good,” said Christine Waller, vice president of communications, environmental, social and governance and corporate giving for Duquesne Light. “We hope to start a new tradition.”
The tree was to be gone after the 2020 holiday season but was brought back one more year after citizens lobbied for its return.
Peter Linko, of Cross Creek Township, Washington County, started the petition of more than 10,000 signatures to save the tree this past holiday season. He said he likes the fact that the contest will include input from the public.
“The new display might look different than the current one,” said Linko, a grassroots engagement director for Americans for Prosperity based in Pittsburgh. “But it will still reflect what the people want and I am thankful for Duquesne Light for listening. Having a holiday display in Point State Park is important to us.”
The reason for the change is the land there is protected and there needs to be a more sustainable light display to align with the vision and goals of the area, Waller said.
Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which operates Point State Park, said in a statement that while she understands the beacon the tree has become to the region, she sees this as a great opportunity to build a new tradition with the support of the public.
“We are excited to see new designs to help celebrate the holidays and remind people of the importance of the holidays in Pittsburgh, the same way the tree did for more than 30 years,” Dunn said.
The physical site of the new display’s home will be determined based on the size and the design, Waller said. Making sure it’s visible just like the tree has always been will definitely be taken into consideration.
“Pittsburgh’s holiday scene is one we all hold near and dear and the city has embraced new holiday additions, and we hope this will be one of them,” Waller said.
The competition officially launches on Feb. 3 here.
It will be open for a few months. The winner will be given ample time so that the new design will be ready for the 2022 holiday season, said Sam Hartzman, community relations manager for Duquesne Light.
Cash prizes from $15,000 total will be awarded to several applicants for their ideas. There will be a top winner. Part of the money will also pay for annual installations of the display.
The specific dollar amounts will be decided at a later date.
Duquesne Light and HeroX have previously worked on projects. HeroX has a template that helps identify judges’ criteria and other details needed to make the final decision, Hartzman said.
Duquesne Light has lit the tree since 1988. Waller said Duquesne Light is “committed to helping the city celebrate the holidays through a new and more modern light display while honoring the richness of our city’s beloved traditions.”
She said she is looking forward to seeing the entries.
“We are excited to see Pittsburgh creatives shine through this,” Waller said. “It’s a way to showcase the talented people who live here. Duquesne Light is about more than keeping the lights on. We are committed to Pittsburgh and its traditions and the community here that we celebrate all year long, not just over the holidays.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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