State's outdoor recreation plan sets template for millions of dollars in upgrades at parks

Visitors to Southwestern Pennsylvania’s state parks — from the highly visible to the less visited — will see improvements over the coming months and years.

Regular upgrades are an important part of park management, a collaborative effort led by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“This approach helps ensure decisions reflect both statewide priorities and specific on-the-ground needs observed by park staff,” said Wesley Robinson, DCNR press secretary.

Millions are being invested in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s state parks to improve infrastructure and visitor experience while protecting natural and cultural resources as DCNR celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Those investments, as well as updated policies and programs, are guided by a statewide outdoor recreation plan adopted every five years.

Robinson said the top priority is always visitor health and safety while meeting legal responsibilities at the agency’s 124 parks statewide.

One of the major projects locally is $3.4 million in upgrades to Point State Park, the region’s most popular park in 2024 with about 1.57 million visitors, according to DCNR statistics. That work is underway in advance of the 2026 NFL Draft, being held in Pittsburgh in April 2026, as well as America’s 250th birthday.

Repairs are being made to walkways, utilities, hardscapes and the iconic fountain at the confluence, in addition to other areas.

Another popular Southwestern Pennsylvania site has seen upgrades over the past few years — Ohiopyle State Park.

A $12.4 million project finished in 2020 added numerous safety elements, including a pedestrian tunnel underneath Route 381, extra space for pedestrians and bicyclists on a bridge carrying Route 381 over the Youghiogheny River and a new parking lot that leads to direct water access and the visitor center. Sugarloaf Road was redesigned at its intersection with Route 381 under the PennDOT intermodal project.

The Fayette County park saw about 919,400 visitors in 2024, according to DCNR statistics.

Construction is ongoing for a change house in the new parking lot off Sugarloaf Road; additional full service campsites are being built; and a solar array is being established at the park’s heliport to offset energy costs, Robinson said. More visitor parking also is being planned.

Other projects in the works include:

• A new park office at Keystone State Park in Derry Township and a planned dredging of the lake to improve the ecosystem.

• Rehabilitation of organized group camps at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County.

• Beach Road at Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County is being improved and similar work is slated for Campground and Main Park roads.

• Designs are being prepared for general improvements, dam removal and stream and corridor restoration at Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County. It was the least-visited local state park in 2024 with about 38,670 visitors.

• A reimagined day use area at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County is being designed and a water line rehabilitation is being planned.

More than $120 million in outdoor infrastructure improvements have been completed at state parks and forests since January 2023 under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Robinson said. Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposed budget includes the creation of the state’s 125th park — Laurel Caverns in Fayette County. State officials toured the large natural calcareous sandstone caves in May.