CURWENSVILLE – Exciting things are happening at Curwensville Lake Recreation Area with some of the old things getting a fresh look, and some new things coming into the lake for visitors to experience.
Park Manager Patricia Hixon said almost all of the staff is new this year, and they are working hard to get the lake up to snuff for opening weekend, which is April 29-May 1. She said the staff has been working to “freshen things up,” such as repairing and painting things and making upgrades.
One area to get a fresh look is the showers and restrooms. Last year, the Friends of Curwensville Lake did some work there to make everything look nice. The insides were painted, propane heaters added, including hot water, the sink area is new and new doors were added. Hixon said the outside will be painted in early summer, and they also hope to paint the lower restrooms as well.
The lake will also be getting new docks…or ones new to the lake. Hixon said Treasure Lake was replacing all their docks and Curwensville was able to purchase the old docks. They will be pressure washed and put into place, and there will be more docks in place this year than before.
And then there are the events. Things are still coming together, but Hixon said they are looking to bring in some bands throughout the summer. Also, they want to make Curwensville “Halloween Central” this year with activities all through October, which also means the lake will be open through the end of October this year.
The Web site is also in the process of being updated. The fee structure is being adjusted on the site. There is an events section, which will be regularly updated. And those looking to visit the campground can click on pictures and get a feel for what the area is like before calling to make a reservation.
Hixon said that they would eventually like to make it possible for visitors to make reservations on the Web site, but for now guests still need to call to make reservations. In addition to the campground, there are also three cabins that can be rented.
CLRA has also put out new rack cards at local businesses and is looking at creating a new logo and brochure and partnering with Magnum Broadcasting for advertising. Also, two signs along Interstate 80 are down; they will be replaced with new signs soon.
Some of the upcoming events are already posted on the lake area’s Web site and Facebook page. These include a Doggie Day and spring festival on May 14, a flea market/yard sale on May 22, a concert with Ride the Song, a band from Bellwood on June 25, a kids bike parade and movie night on July 2, a Christmas in July event with site decorations, a movie and more on July 23, The Moore Brothers on July 24, a movie night Aug. 13 and an end of summer beach bash and boat parade on Sept. 4.
In October, there will be trick-or-treating on the first and eighth and other events for campers. Oct. 8 will also be the Friends of the Lake Haunted Walk, which is open to the public. And on Oct. 23 a community Trunk or Treat will be held.
Hixon said the lake has a three-year plan and they want to expand what the lake has to offer. The signature event being planned for the future is “Woodstock, Curwensville style,” a day and a half of bands performing at the lake.
She said there will be special pricing and so on for the event. Other events being considered include a fall festival, and a rendezvous event featuring the time period of “mountain men” with games, demonstrations and so on. The lake staff is also hoping to reestablish the volleyball courts and improve the beach.
More information on what is happening at CLRA can be found at the Web site, www.curwensvillelake.com, or by calling 814-236-2320.
