The Friends Group completes many projects within the Park. In combination with contributions of money and materials, volunteers, and DCNR staff, we have made many improvements for the enjoyment of everyone. New projects are always in the making.
Please consider contributing to this effort either financially or through becoming a Friend volunteer. Visit our Membership/Donate page for more information.
The Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park is part of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization). Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park is part of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization). Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
ADA Kayak/Canoe Boat Launch
We are proud to have sponsored this project to provide a new ADA Kayak/Canoe Boat launch recently installed (Spring 2021) at the Beaverdam boat launch area. This boat launch is designed to make ingress and egress possible for kayakers and canoers with disabilities. This has been a multiyear project to obtain funding and materials to make this project happen. Total cost of this project was just over $37,000.
We'd like to thank those who made this project possible:
We'd like to thank those who made this project possible:
- Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park - $7,218.10 (includes a grant of $2,000 from the Penelec Fund for the Future of Greater Johnstown and the Robert Waters Economic Development Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies)
- DCNR ADA Project Funding - $30,000
- Labor and installation provided by the park staff.
Photo Gallery - Click on images below for larger image
|
Adopt-A-Highway ProgramThe Friends of Prince Galltizin State Park volunteers periodically cleanup trash thrown from vehicles on Beaver Valley Rd. to help keep the park beautiful. We now care for 4-1/4 miles of the road beginning at Long Rd. near the Water Tower and ending at Route 53 near Sir Barney's and Pennywrens Restaurants.
Please give our volunteers a break and don't litter.
|
Water Wheels Beach ChairWe purchased a new Water Wheels Beach Chair to provide water access accommodation for people with disabilities. For access to this beach chair, please call the Crooked Run Campground Office at 814-674-1007 or stop by the Maple Loop Host (Site #141) or Hemlock Loop Host (Site #178). Park Rangers will be contacted and will be happy to get the chair to you.
|
|
|
Picnic BenchesMaterial was purchased and new picnic tables were built and placed near the Lake Glendale shoreline. Pictured here are new picnic tables in the Turtle Cove area.
|
Cherry Loop Playground
In the Spring for 2018, the Friends Volunteers worked with the DCNR staff to upgrade the Cherry Loop playground. The border was replaced, a new sandbox and spring animals were installed, and new mulch was added. A new baby swing was also installed.
Photo Gallery - Click on images below for larger image
Amphitheater Bench Project Photos 2015 - 2016
In the late summer of 2015, the Friends Group the Amphitheater refurbishment project began. Volunteers disassembled the old benches and then purchase and assembled new benches. From Fall 2015 to Spring 2016, DCNR staff installed sub-surface drainage and installed gravel and concrete. The upgraded Amphitheater was dedicated on July 2, 2016
During the Fall of 2015 and Spring of 2016, the Friends Volunteer Group worked with the DCNR staff to remove the old benches from the Amphitheater and build and install new wood benches with backs. The construction process included removing numerous truckloads of soggy clay to get down to a good base. A drainage system was installed to drain away an underground spring. Many truckloads of shale were brought in for a sub-base for the concrete. Earth-tone tinted concrete was poured with lights installed in the face of each step for both ambiance and safety. New wooden benches were then constructed and installed. Finally, the stage floor was replaced with new deck boards made from recycled material.
This project was almost entirely funded by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park Support Group. It was made possible through past fundraising events and donor contributions. We thank everybody for their past donations that make these types of projects possible. All the money donated stays in the Park for projects such as this.
We would also like to thank the hard-working DCNR staff for their skill and dedication to making this such a successful project.
The picture below left, taken on September 5, 2015, shows the Amphitheater benches prior to project start. The area was usually soggy and wet due to an underground spring. Below right is a picture of the finished project on June 14, 2016.
During the Fall of 2015 and Spring of 2016, the Friends Volunteer Group worked with the DCNR staff to remove the old benches from the Amphitheater and build and install new wood benches with backs. The construction process included removing numerous truckloads of soggy clay to get down to a good base. A drainage system was installed to drain away an underground spring. Many truckloads of shale were brought in for a sub-base for the concrete. Earth-tone tinted concrete was poured with lights installed in the face of each step for both ambiance and safety. New wooden benches were then constructed and installed. Finally, the stage floor was replaced with new deck boards made from recycled material.
This project was almost entirely funded by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park Support Group. It was made possible through past fundraising events and donor contributions. We thank everybody for their past donations that make these types of projects possible. All the money donated stays in the Park for projects such as this.
We would also like to thank the hard-working DCNR staff for their skill and dedication to making this such a successful project.
The picture below left, taken on September 5, 2015, shows the Amphitheater benches prior to project start. The area was usually soggy and wet due to an underground spring. Below right is a picture of the finished project on June 14, 2016.
Before |
After |
|
|
The Amphitheater was rededicated on Saturday, July 2, 2016. The Chairman of the Friends of Prince Gallitzin Support Group, Steve Beals, addressed a large gathering of folks eager to test out the new benches. Steve thanked Park Manager Dennis Miller, the hard-working DCNR staff, the Friends Volunteers, and the many who contributed monetarily to make this project a success. Even Uncle Sam attended the ceremony. Uncle Sam was played by Steve's son Mike Beals and Steve's wife Connie Beals made this excellent costume.
Park Manager Dennis Miller addressed the crowd at the dedication ceremony explaining how the Friends Group and DCNR staff work together on projects to improve the Park.
The Friends Volunteers held the ceremonial ribbon while Chaplain Dave and Beth Garner (Park Environmental Education Specialist) had the honors of cutting the ribbon dedicating the Amphitheater to another 30 years of operation.
Below is a gallery of photos documenting the project from beginning to end. Click on the pictures to view a larger image.
Friends Volunteers Installed Lights to the Amphitheater
|
In late summer 2015, the Friends group purchased new low voltage lights and installed them on the two paths leading to the amphitheater. This now makes for safer ingress/egress to the amphitheater for after dark programs.
Friends Volunteers
|
|
|
Basketball Backboard & HoopIn the spring of 2015, we installed this new basketball backboard and hoop. This is located near the bathhouse in Cherry loop in the Crooked Run Campground.
|
Playground in Maple LoopIn the spring of 2013, the Friends group purchased and volunteer labor installed this new playground unit at the Crooked Run Campground. It is located near the beach on the Maple loop.
|
|
|
Horseshoe PitsWe purchased materials and installed horseshoe pits in the Birch loop in Crooked Run Campground (shown left) and also in the Pickerel Pond area. Horseshoes are available to use free of charge from the campground office.
|
BenchesWe purchased the materials and installed wooden benches at various places. This bench is located in Crooked Run Campground near the boat launch. Other benches can be found overlooking the lake near the Deluxe Cabins and in the woods in the campground, and at the dam, at Pickerel Pond, and Muskrat Beach. These are great places to drink coffee and relax while watching the great outdoors.
|
|
|
Binoculars & BenchIn 2013, we installed this new bench and binoculars near the dam. This is a great place to relax and look for one our resident American Bald Eagles.
|
Playground Muskrat BeachThe Friends group participated in the installation of a new playground at Muskrat Beach #2. We worked with the DCNR management and staff to provide the base mulch, landscape cloth, and edging materials. The DCNR purchased the playground and provided the installation labor.
|
|
Installing Duck Boxes 2014
Friends Volunteers
- Paul Conner
- Steve Beals
- Dennis Miller (DCNR Park Manager)
|