Point State Park gets to keep its Christmas tree

Looks like the Tree of Lights will be in Pittsburgh next year after all.

The state decided to continue the Pittsburgh tradition by permitting the picturesque tree to be erected at Point State Park next year.

In a reversal of a decision announced last month, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Duquesne Light Co. said Monday that the 80-foot “Tree of Lights” will return to its spot by the fountain at the Point.

The colorful tree has been a tradition since 1988, but the state last month decided that it was not in keeping with the historic nature of the park. The tree got such support that about 9,200 people signed an online petition to keep the Christmas tree, which can be seen from Mt. Washington.

The conservation department said Monday it will work with Duquesne Light “to find a solution to design a new tree of similar size at the same location that would be more energy-efficient, and lighten the impact that the set-up, take-down and appropriate methods of securing the tree into the ground have on the important archaeological area and other aspects of the park,” said John Hallas, director of the Bureau of State Parks.

Duquesne Light President Steve Malnight acknowledged “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 committed to sharing a future tree that reflects, enhances, and protects a National Historic Landmark that is the iconic focal point of the Pittsburgh area,” Malnight said in a statement.

While the park preserves the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War, the “Tree of Lights” has come to symbolize holiday warmth and good spirit, the state and Duquesne Light said in a joint statement.

“This season, especially, the public has demonstrated its need and support for both,” the state and Duquesne Light said.