Oct 27, 2012 2 min read

ERIE – State and local officials on Friday broke ground on an improvement project for Raccoon Creek Park, a 195-acre park that lies along the shoreline of Lake Erie and provides access to Raccoon Creek. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources invested $152,000 in the rehabilitation of the township park through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program. “The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of their parks and trails, access to waterways, open spaces, and opportunities to be active outdoors,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said. “This project is sure to increase visitors who are looking for great fishing opportunities, access to Lake Erie or a great place for their children to play,” Allan said. Work will include the construction of a new pavilion with restrooms, a food preparation area, utility room, picnic shelter, and related landscaping. Green features of the new structure will include energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, a tank-less hot water heater and native plantings. The DCNR grant money was provided through the Keystone Fund generated from a portion of the real estate transfer tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Zone Management Program also provided $136,000 for this project.