After being closed for several days because of damaging winds and heavy rain, people were finally able to enjoy some time at Presque Isle State Park on Labor Day.
For John Herbert, spending time at the peninsula is a family tradition, “I enjoy the sun and swimming.”
Herbert is no stranger to Presque Isle. He frequently visits with his family for weekend getaways.
“You can come here and get food and rent bikes if you want. You can ride the 14 mile trail and keep you busy all day and wear the kids out,” said Stevan Orchard, from Cranberry, Pennsylvania.
The Orchard family had planned to spend the weekend at Presque Isle, but had to change their plans after learning the park was closed. Instead, they spent the day at Waldameer.
“We went to Waldameer yesterday and the boys really had fun. They did the slides and the rollercoasters,” said Rhelyn Orchard, a Cranberry resident.
Even with the change in plans, the family was happy to have the chance to enjoy the peninsula before heading home.
“It’s very family orientated. There’s beautiful beaches and nice places for the kids to ride bikes on”, said Orchard.
As a steady flow of traffic made its way through Presque Isle throughout the day, many visitors were from out of town, while local residents were simply happy to be back at the beach.
Cheryl Scully regularly comes to the peninsula to walk and kayak. When the storms forced the park to close, she had to find other places to enjoy the outdoors.
“Well I went down to Manchester Beach and Erie Bluffs, they had some alternatives. It certainly wasn’t the same. Out here you can go biking and kayaking. I didn’t take my bike out there. It was a little challenging to say the least when it’s a holiday weekend and the weather being so great, in Erie that counts for everything.”
Still, Scully said she would choose Presque Isle time and time again, “I’m just glad it was a great summer overall and I love Erie.”
As of Monday morning, the Presque Isle Marina, Gas Dock and Water Works area near the Rotary Pavilion remained closed.
Beaches 1, 6 and 8 were open for swimming and were guarded.