Imagine families biking along trails, birdwatchers on early morning hikes, spirited children frolicking in adventure play areas, baseball and softball fields surrounded by cheering people, kayaking and fishing on a peaceful lake, and summer movie nights on the grass under a starry sky. Sounds like a great place to spend time, right? And even better, what if it’s right here in Greene County?
The County of Greene has formed a partnership with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority and entered a 99-year agreement leasing acreage on Water Dam Road. Mackin Engineering, a multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting firm, has been hired to plan such a space near the Wisecarver Reservoir – the Wisecarver Recreation Area. A kickoff meeting was held in January between Mackin and local officials, and plans were initiated for the long-term development for Wisecarver. A second meeting, held in March, shared interview findings, site analysis and mapping, and a discussion of priority projects and programming exercises.
The community has expressed significant interest in the project. Jim Watenpool, a consultant for Mackin, interviewed community members; interviewees shared that they would most like to see multi-use trails, an ADA accessible boat launch and paddle sports, picnic pavilions, and an ADA accessible fishing pier. Requested support facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and water fountains. Requested programs include kayak/canoe safety and instructional classes, environmental education, and fitness programs.
Government agencies, including the Greene County Conservation District, PA Fish & Boat Commission, and the PA Game Commission were also interviewed. Mackin Engineering’s Matt Lokay received suggestions including a permanent home for the county’s Envirothon, rules for boats, access for fish healthy studies and rescue, boating guidelines, and enrollment in the Hunter Access Program.
The Wisecarver area is 360-acres of land, surrounding an 18.5-acre lake. Wisecarver Reservoir was created in 1931 with the construction of a dam on Wisecarver Run. The dam was built by the Waynesburg Water Co.; the company was later purchased by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority in the late 1960s. The SPWA stopped using the reservoir for water supply in the early 1990s and the property remained open for fishing. Discussion for improvement began in 2005 with the involvement of the Ryerson Station Duke Lake Task force but was put on hold when an inspection revealed the dam was in need of repairs. In 2009, a $2.4 million state grant was received to repair the dam. The repairs began in 2011 and were completed in 2012. During the past few years, new plans were crafted for the area, and grants acquired to begin construction.
Previously, a state investment for $200,000 was secured to begin construction on the Wisecarver Recreation Area. Additional grant funding was procured in September 2020. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grant money was received from an April 2020 application submitted by the Greene County Department of Planning & Community Development and Department of Recreation for the construction of an access drive, parking area, pedestrian walkways, softball fields, and stormwater management measures. As additional funding becomes available, the project will also include the installation of bleachers, ADA access, a kayak and canoe launch, landscaping, and other related site improvements.
Additional meetings will continue for the project, and public opinions will be sought. The County also hopes to partner with local organizations and businesses for support with funding planned projects and creating programming. Would you like to share your opinion on or be involved with the Wisecarver Recreation Area project? Contact the Greene County Commissioners at 724-852-5210 or find them on Facebook @GreeneCountyCommissioners.