Plans advance for waterfall development at Sweet Arrow Lake

Plans are moving forward for a waterfall development at Schuylkill County’s Sweet Arrow Lake.

County commissioners on Wednesday awarded a $477,650 contract to Construction Masters Services for the project.

Signing of the contract is pending a final state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources review of the bid packages and contract.

Schuylkill County Parks and Recreation Supervisor Drew Kline presented the contract to the commissioners.

All three commissioners praised him for work well done in organizing the project and obtaining grants.

In April 2017, parks and recreation received a $250,000 grant from DCNR for the project.

The Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation donated $100,000, and commissioners provided a local match of $150,000.

The project will revitalize the waterfall parking lot below the dam breast.

The improvements include resurfacing, paving and landscaping the existing gravel parking lot; building a large pavilion with attached kitchen for rentals; handicapped accessible flush bathrooms; upgraded water and electricity utilities; and, if the budget allows, a playground.

The 183-acre Sweet Arrow Lake Park, in Washington and Pine Grove townships, provides hiking, fishing and boating.