Coudersport, Pa. — Cherry Springs State Park is known to stargazers around the nation as one of the darkest places on the eastern seaboard, and therefore one of the best for night sky viewing. It's getting a small makeover to preserve that darkness.
According to State Parks Director John Hallas, the project will create a new entrance to the public programming area of the park, which will eliminate issues caused with headlights from the current entry/exit point from that area to the astronomy fields.
“This new, reconfigured entrance will change visitor flow into the park and help manage the larger crowds we are seeing at Cherry Springs,” Hallas said in a news release.
In addition to moving the park entrance, the project will construct a new contact station for information and create new parking areas.
“Part of the Master Plan for Cherry Springs was the relocation of the park entrance, and we are thankful to the local astronomers and park visitors who have helped the Bureau of State Parks determine what is best for all at Cherry Springs, especially when it comes to the dark sky viewing opportunities,” Hallas said.
The project is expected to break ground in July and be completed in the fall. No impacts are expected to fall events, though there may be programming modifications, according to the news release.
The main visitor parking area and Night Sky Public Viewing Area Amphitheater closed beginning June 24, with the closure anticipated to last through the summer. A temporary parking lot and programming area will be available while construction continues through the summer, according to the park's website. Access to the Cherry Springs Campground and Overnight Astronomy Observation Field will be open as normal.
Situated at nearly 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level in the largely undeveloped 262,000 acres of the Susquehannock State Forest, the Park’s Astronomy Field offers an unobstruced 360-degree view, reports Dark Sky , an international group that advocates for the preservation of dark skies and minimizing light pollution. "Cherry Springs is open year-round and 60 to 85 nights each year have ideal conditions for observing," according to the website.
Contact the park office or check the Cherry Springs website for more details about the park and project.
Governor Josh Shapiro is supporting the outdoor recreation economy by proposing an $8.5 million additional investment in parks and forests to make Pennsylvania a premier destination for exceptional outdoor experiences, benefiting the economic competitiveness of communities, tourism, and public health.
State parks like Cherry Springs offer fantastic outdoor experiences that make Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway, as the Commonwealth's new tagline promises.
Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting 164,344 jobs, and accounting for 1.8 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Cherry Springs State Park sits within the Pennsylvania Wilds Conservation Landscape and the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor .
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Cherry Springs and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
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