Pennsylvania state parks are roughly $1 billion behind on infrastructure projects, according to a recent report from Penn Environment.
The report looks specifically at maintenance and repair backlogs across twenty-eight states. Pennsylvania’s backlog estimate is from 2023. The report estimates it would take $76 from every Pennsylvanian to close the gap, and offers policy ideas for dedicating revenue to park projects.
The Commonwealth has over 300,000 acres of state park land.
While parks have unfinished projects, upgrades are being pushed through. Laurel Caverns State Park opened this year, hosting the commonwealth’s largest cave. Upgrades to the Delaware Canal State Park were celebrated last week, as the park got repairs from a 2023 storm.
Funding for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has increased the past three years.
Local tourism agencies say park presentation matters, as they are critical to regional economics.
“Most people that are coming into our area to visit our state parks are are from out of state,” said Julie Henry, director of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce. “and they’re very surprised and pleased that our state parks in Pennsylvania are free for them to visit and enjoy.”
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, local scenic railways, and dark skies at Cherry Springs State Park are some of Wellsboro’s regional attractions.