Save Denton Hill State Park
Skiers and others who are eager to see Denton Hill State Park resurrected had mixed reactions to the recent vendors’ forum at the park’s ski lodge. They were encouraged that there are at least a handful of potential vendors interested in partnering with the state to rebuild and operate the park. At the same time, they were disappointed to learn that the most optimistic forecast calls the envisioned “Denton Hill Adventure Center” to open in late 2025.
Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) officials confirmed that they intend to revise the most recent request for proposals, which did not draw any interest from potential private-sector partners last summer. John Hallas, state parks director for DCNR, said a master plan for the park includes infrastructure improvements and positions a concessionaire to grow recreational opportunities in all four seasons. He conceded that the earlier solicitation was “heavily tilted toward gaining a ski operator.”
DCNR is committing $10 million in capital improvements and another $2 million for design and implementation of a master plan. During the recent vendor forum, DCNR representatives said that additional funding may be available.
According to Hallas, DCNR would work with the selected concessionaire to identify and prioritize improvements during the design process. One concern voiced by a prospective vendor was the lack of available water resources to support snowmaking.
A copy of the Denton Hill State Park master plan and other information is available on the DCNR website.
(Source: Endeavor News)
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