Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Parks Director Roger Fickes announced that most facilities at Kooser State Park, Somerset County, Pennsylvania will be closed to the public beginning March 15, for widespread park improvements. Fickes said the entire park will reopen to the public in late fall of this year.

Areas closed include the overnight facilities, swimming beach and Mighty Oak Pavilion. Other day-use recreation such as fishing, hiking and picnicking will remain open to the public.

“The improvements to Kooser are part of DCNR’s multi-year effort to upgrade Pennsylvania’s state parks,” Fickes said. “These improvements will enhance the visitor experience at Kooser, particularly for campers who will enjoy brand new shower house facilities.”

More than $1.2 million in improvements are taking place this spring and summer at the park. Projects include construction of a beach washhouse and restroom facility; electrical work to the lifeguard station and Mighty Oak pavilion; and construction of a shower house and restroom facility in both the park’s campground and cabin colony.

The improvements at Kooser State Park are part of the Schweiker Administration’s multi-year plan to eliminate the backlog of maintenance projects in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. Since 1995, more than $250 million has been allocated for improving roads, sewer and water systems, marinas, campgrounds, trails, and other facilities at Pennsylvania’s 116 state parks and 20 state forests. “Growing Greener,” the state’s largest-ever environmental initiative, is providing $125 million for these park and forest improvements.

In the heart of the Laurel Highlands, at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park attracts visitors year-round to its 250 acres of forest and trout stream that flows the full length of the park.

Surrounded by Forbes State Forest on two sides, Kooser is stamped with the character of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. The picturesque cabins, beach and camping area provide relaxing scenery and an ideal spot to start an overnight backpacking trip on the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

For more information about Kooser or any of the other state parks, call 1-888-PA-PARKS.