Visitor Center Plans Unveiled

Sometime in late 2008 or beyond, Sinnemahoning State Park will become the hub of the 15-county "Pennsylvania Wilds."

At least that's the plan that has been developing over the past several years as part of Governor Ed Rendell's now-famous "PA Wilds" initiative

The cornerstone of that plan is a massive new visitor center to be built just off Rt. 872 in the expansive park that straddles the Cameron/Potter County border. An architect's rendering of the 10,000-squarefoot structure, which will cost an estimated $2.5 million, was unveiled this week.

Park Manager Lisa Bainey said the visitor center will help establish Sinnemahoning State Park as "a portal site to other parks and state forests in the region."

The center will be among many such sites that are designed to be a point of reference or stopping point along the routes in the PA Wilds.

Site clearing and soil testing are already underway as park officials prepare for the major addition.

The center will spotlight the region's history with a special focus on the people and wildlife of the northcentral Pennsylvania. A classroom or conference room will be included, along with other facilities to support "eco" or "nature-based tourism."

Park offices will be located there and a small-business incubator is also being worked into the plans, to support naturebased start-ups.

Popular hiking, snowmobiling and skiing trails will be linked to the center.