State officials are asking Presque Isle visitors to give up 10 minutes of their time online to help plan the next 25 years of the state park.
People who go to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Erie Bluffs State Park, and the public in general, are welcome to give their input too. The Ridge Center and Erie Bluffs are also part of the Presque Isle State Park Complex. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is updating the master plan for the complex and is asking members of the public to take a digital survey to share their experiences, priorities and ideas for the parks.
“We see an average of 4 million visits to Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs each year and we know these are special places for the region and beyond,” State Parks Director John Hallas said in a news release. “Public participation is key to this process, and we are eager to hear from the public to help shape the future of these wonderful conservation spaces.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wants public input on a master plan for Presque Isle State Park.
What is the master plan?
Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs are among Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and are the only ones in Erie County.
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, is part of the Presque Isle State Park Complex.
Their master plan will serve as a roadmap for the next 25 years, ensuring a thoughtful balance of natural resource protection and recreational opportunities throughout the park complex, according to the news release. DCNR uses the plan to evaluate current facilities, identify future needs and recommend improvements that align with community values and conservation goals.
How can I participate?
DCNR is inviting the public to take a digital survey that requires about 10 minutes to share their experiences, priorities and ideas for the parks.
The survey asks people about how they get to the parks, how often they go, what they do there and what they feel about topics including cleanliness, safety and parking. Those completing the survey can also offer suggestions for the parks.
Responses are due by Jan. 9.
What’s next?
After the public survey closes, DCNR will host public engagement meetings, with the first scheduled for late winter 2026 on a date and at a location to be announced. These sessions will provide opportunities to learn more about the project, ask questions and contribute feedback.
On the peninsula: Lights installed on refurbished tower in Presque Isle State Park’s Waterworks area
Updates, announcements and opportunities to get involved will be posted on the Presque Isle State Park Complex master planning website, according to the news release.
Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Presque Isle Erie Bluffs state parks master plan seeks public input