What expectations do you have when visiting a Pennsylvania state park?
Bob Frye/Everybody Adventures
So do you remember what a hot topic this was a year ago?
Last summer, lawmakers wanted to explore building lodges, golf courses, amusement parks, water slides and more in Pennsylvania’s state parks. The idea was to offer amenities that, presumably, some portion of the public wanted.
That legislation died in the face of public opposition.
It’s not resurfaced since.
But…
Park visitors are being asked for input on how best to manage the state’s 121 parks over the next 25 years.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is doing online and paper surveys. Responses are being taken through Oct. 31.
A statistically valid phone survey will follow later this year, as will an online survey specifically aimed at minorities and young people. Furthermore, there are plans to conduct a series of stakeholder meetings.
“Management of our 121 state parks is an ever-changing undertaking, as there are constantly new challenges and best practices to be considered,” said Cindy Dunn, the department’s top leader. “There are careful and deliberate management approaches to be outlined in this plan, and public input gleaned from these surveys will help protect and sustain our state parks now and into the future.”
Certainly, it’s an interesting time for state parks.
Visitation remains strong. Yet state funding has been slashed dramatically in recent years. And that’s led to cutbacks in maintenance and operations, among other things.
So that raises one set of questions, according to the parks bureau.
Should parks – traditionally open to all for free – charge entrance or user fees? If not, should some lesser-visited parks get less maintenance and other attention?
Then there are technology and convenience issues.
Should parks offer internet service? Should rental cabins come stocked with pots, pans and other utensils? Do campgrounds need more amenities? Should they offer all-purpose buildings for gatherings? And are other camping options – perhaps more inns – needed?
Or are campgrounds getting too big and noisy as it is?
Those are all questions the department is asking people to consider.
What’s more, the surveys ask if parks should provide more organized activities, and if so what kind. They also ask if park use should be limited when visitation gets high enough to cause harm.
Meaning, if we’re loving some parks to death, should crowds be controlled?
Are you interested in state parks? Or a user?
If so, the time to weigh in and offer opinions is now.
Lawmakers – and others — will surely be paying attention to the results and drafting ideas based on what’s said.
Take the survey
If you’ve got opinions, the online survey can be found here.
Also at that link is a 12-page booklet that can be reviewed prior to taking the survey. It outlines some of the challenges ahead for parks.
