New vision for Ryerson
ROGERSVILLE – Most people who gathered at a planning session to discuss the future of Ryerson Station said they’re eager to find amenities that will improve the state park, even with a hint of disappointment still lingering over the loss of Duke Lake.
A few dozen people gathered Tuesday at West Greene High School during the first of two planning sessions during the night to meet with state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources workers and discuss what they want to see happen to the park.
John Hallas, an assistant bureau director for DCNR, stressed the state was not abandoning Ryerson Station State Park, but was looking for ways to attract new visitors.
“That’s a tricky thing to pull off because in our memories and in our minds, we think of everything we’ve done there. All of these things shaped our lives,” Hallas said. “We can express this is a difficult time and we’re asking for some difficult things from you as far as re-envisioning what this place can be and what it will mean to you.”
Several DCNR officials walked the audience through the history of the situation that led to Duke Lake being drained in 2005, but the focus was mainly on the path forward.
Harland Headlee, 71, an avid fisherman from Waynesburg, had just retired in 2005 and was devastated when the lake was drained because of shifting ground near the dam. The announcement in July that the lake wouldn’t be restored because of continued movement was another punch to the gut.
“I was disappointed because I had been waiting for years,” Headlee said.
Still, Headlee was optimistic about the process and the park’s potential while talking to two DCNR representatives at one of several informational booths before the meeting. He had 14 “quite dramatic” suggestions, including adding a zip line.
“I think it’s a great concept,” he said. “There are decent ideas now. You just have to get away from the lake and find a new concept.”
People were asked to provide their opinions on comment cards or through online surveys, and they were able to meet one-on-one with officials from other state parks who explained amenities at those locations.
“We want to catch those ideas that will help with the design,” said Jeremy Rekich, who is a member of the DCNR’s project ground team. “We see some early ideas and early plans bubbling to the surface.”
Some initial ideas that seemed to be forming were a splash park, stream restoration with fishing opportunities, walking trails and picnic and camping areas. George Block of North Strabane Township said in addition to stream improvements, he would like to see an amphitheater or music pavilion built to feature local talent for event concerts.
“I think if the lake is gone, it may come back long after I’m gone, but I think you learn to accept it and make it the nicest park in Western Pennsylvania,” he said.
However, there were still concerns from several people about whether nearby long-wall mining by Consol Energy, which the state contends caused damage to the dam and prompted a $35 million settlement with the company, could also damage feeder streams in the area.
Kimberly Jones, whose Wind Ridge property was undermined and nearby streams were lost, said all of the great new amenities could be lost if the tributaries are not protected.
“I think it’s great they want to bring (the park) back,” she said. “Our community needs something out here. We get left out of everything.”
The state is continuing to solicit feedback and DCNR Regional Park Manager Jeffrey Anna encouraged people to join the “Friends of Ryerson” organization that is working closely with the “Re-Vision Ryerson Task Force” of local and county leaders. The task force will then create working groups to formulate concrete ideas and an action plan.
“What does an exceptional state park mean to everyone out here?” Rekich said. “It’s time for us to look forward and not look back.”
To offer ideas for the park, the DCNR has established an online survey that can be completed by going to www.surveymonkey.com/r/re-visionryerson.