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Joe-K · 05-29-2009, 06:09 AM

PA state lawmakers are considering closing 35-40 state parks if certain budget cuts are pushed through by the Govener. Closing places that offer to the public free recreation during an economic slowdown doesn't seem the wisest thing to do. Hopefully it won't happen, but the linked article lists the names of the parks on the "Hit List"

PA State Park Possible Closure List

Superslif · 05-29-2009, 08:05 AM

I just wrote letter to the author of that article. I do see Kettle Creek on the list.......That is the the only one of the 5 I have reserved. I wish they would decide now, so I can make other plans before things fill up at other state parks......Even with increasing the over-night camping fees over the last 2 years by 70%, I'm disappointed in even more cuts being needed.

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Superslif · 05-29-2009, 09:00 AM

I just got off the phone with talking to Melissa Winter who is the assistant to Keith Taylor the director of reservations and park funding. She said that the legisiature has asked for the attendance numbers from last year, but no statement has come down from Harrisburg on a list of possible park closings if the bill passes now without being re-written. The most at risk parks slated for closure are the small "day use" parks without camping and the the small parks with camping, that have few users. So far the state has not posted any list. The closer it gets to the summer camping months the park directors will remind them that is where the most revenue is made. So it makes no sense to close during the summer months. She said it may come down to closing some day use areas during the week or closing some parks after Sept. She suggested emailing your state reps....Here we go again Act 2.....