Linesville, PA — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today visited Pymatuning State Park to break ground on a new campground at Pymatuning State Park’s Tuttle Point.
“We are extremely pleased to be here today as construction begins on a revitalized campground at Tuttle Point,” Dunn said. “Thank you to the Department of General Services (DGS) for funding this project and helping invest in critical park infrastructure that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities for generations. Special thanks to Sen. Michele Brooks, who championed this project and worked to involve the community about these plans.
The $8 million Tuttle Point Campground project will see the complete overhaul of the campground’s infrastructure from new water and sewage lines and a new sewage pumping station, to the installation of exterior improvements such as brand-new buildings to house a water treatment facility, comfort station, beach restroom and the repaving of the roadways and parking lots as well as the installation of a brand-new fishing pier and boat launch.
The new project will have 112 campsites with inland campsites having water, sewer and electric hookups, as well as several ADA accessible campsites. Campsites near the water will have water and electric hookups. In addition, the campground’s 75,000 water tank will be refurbished during the project.
“DGS is pleased to have worked with DCNR and Senator Michele Brooks to bring this project to fruition and we are excited to break ground today on what will truly be an enhancement to Crawford County,” said Bryan Anthony of the Department of General Services (DGS) Bureau of Capital Projects Pre-Construction Division. “Once completed, this project will certainly have a lasting, positive effect on the recreational capabilities of the park for generations to come.”
The initial job conference, which starts the clock on the project, was held April 15 and the project is expected to be completed in April of next year.
“I appreciated the opportunity to work with DCNR and DGS to reopen Tuttle Campground,” Brooks said. “It’s always been a priority to see this campground reopened, understanding the importance it holds for local families, our hometown businesses, and tourism. Once again, memories will be made and traditions will be formed at this beautiful site, which is such an important part of our communities and economy. I’d also like to thank the local townships for their involvement in working with us to help reopen Tuttle.”
At 16,892 acres, Pymatuning is one of the largest state parks in the commonwealth and it features boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and enjoying other recreational opportunities. It is one of the more popular parks in the nation’s third largest state park system, and features the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir, which is the largest lake in the commonwealth.
The previous Tuttle Point Campground closed in 2010 because of funding issues. DCNR has a documented need of more than $1.4 billion for infrastructure repairs and improvements. Issues such as addressing wear and tear, extreme weather and climate change impacts, and a high demand for outdoor recreation require investments, which also allow incorporation of sustainable design and energy efficiency.
Touting the state investment in this project, Dunn noted Gov. Tom Wolf’s $1.7 billion plan to help Pennsylvania recover from the COVID-19 pandemic includes designating $450 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars for conservation, recreation and preservation.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Pymatuning State Park.