When the earth is starting to soften and the grass is coming in bright and fresh, we all want to run in the yard so we can feel springtime on our bare feet.

Those of us who work or live Downtown have been experiencing that desire as the new lawn has been filling in at Point State Park, replacing the dry dirt that last summer caused scenes reminiscent of the 1930s Dust Bowl.

News that one-third of the 36-acre park will reopen in early June is welcome, following 18 months of work. Point State Park is the city's front yard, the first thing many visitors see and a place for others to take a break.

The initial phase of the renovation included filling in Fort Pitt's music bastions, laying new walks, planting trees and installing rows of benches, offering a pleasant spot for office workers to have lunch on warm days.

A new event, the finale of a six-day bike race, will take place in the park June 29, and the Dollar Bank Jamboree, an annual music festival, is set for July 26. But the park is not yet ready to host some of its most popular events.

This year the Three Rivers Regatta/July 4 celebration will be based on the North Shore, between PNC Park and Heinz Field, and the 17-day Three Rivers Arts Festival, which opens June 6, will be scattered throughout the Golden Triangle as it was last year.

Organizers will be paying close attention to what occurs this summer and hoping that regulations and fees for using the park won't be too restrictive or too expensive. We're counting on the state, which owns the park and is paying $30 million toward the improvements, to make sure Downtown's grassy oasis continues to be a host for these lively festivities, and more.

We're looking forward to completion of the next phases of work, scheduled through 2010, which promise steps down to the rivers, a promenade, a landing for small boats and a complete overhaul of the fountain.

Once the front yard is updated, the whole city will look more inviting.