The heat of summer has arrived, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s lately.
Visiting the community pool usually helps on days like these, but with the pandemic, pools have been closed. However, there are swimming areas available in nearby state parks and on the Allegheny National Forest.
On Thursday, Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, in a prepared statement, reminded Pennsylvanians to wear masks while enjoying the outdoors when they are not able to consistently maintain social distancing from individuals who are not members of their household.
“It’s critical that Pennsylvanians take opportunities to go outside and enjoy our many parks, trails and beaches. It’s good for our mental and physical health. But we must do so safely,” Wolf said. “Park attendance has increased dramatically, so Pennsylvanians should protect themselves and their fellow outdoor seekers by wearing a mask.”
Dunn said recent Bureau of State Park attendance figures show people turning to the outdoors in record numbers. May 2020 attendance reports show 5.8 million visitors compared to 4.2 million last year. The parks system increased by over 1.5 million visitors, a 36 percent increase, and 18 parks experienced more than a 100 percent increase.
“Last weekend brought a crush of visitors to almost all our state parks, and those numbers reinforce the need for all park visitors to be smart and safe by wearing masks,” Dunn said. “Our park officials tell us the holiday crowds were orderly and, for the most part, observing self-distancing but masks were not being worn by many. For the safety of all, masks should be worn, especially in areas where park visitors gather: pools and beaches when not in the water; restroom areas; and state park offices and visitor centers.”
Swimming pools or areas are available at Bendigo State Park in Elk County, Sizerville State Park in Cameron County, beaches at Lyman Run, Ole Bull and Patterson state parks in Potter County, and at Chapman State Park in Warren County.
As far as the status of the local state parks, all in Cameron County are open — Bucktail State Park Natural Area, Sinnemahoning State Park, Sizerville State Park and Elk State Forest.
In Elk County, Bendigo State Park, Elk State Park and Elk State Forest are all open. The Elk Country Visitor Center is open as well.
In McKean County, all state park facilities are open, including Kinzua Bridge State Park, Susquehannock State Forest and Elk State Forest.
Nearly everything in Potter County is open as well, with the exception of picnic areas at Tiadaghton State Forest. The parks or park facilities in Potter County include Cherry Springs State Park, Denton Hill State Park, Lyman Run State Park, Ole Bull State Park, Patterson State Park, Elk State Forest and Susquehannock State Forest.
In nearby Warren County, Chapman State Park is open, as is the Cornplanter State Forest.
On the Allegheny National Forest, swimming areas are open, but restrooms in some areas, like Kinzua Beach, are closed.
According to the Forest Service’s website, swimming is permitted at several campgrounds and recreation areas, including Dewdrop, Elijah Run, Kiasutha, Willow Bay and Red Bridge. Not all have designated areas for swimming, and some do charge. Swimming is at one’s own risk.
