Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

Gov. Tom Wolf, center, signs the legislation transferring ownership of Moon Lake Park to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. From left Rep. Gerald Mullery, Rep. Karen Boback, Gov. Wolf, Sen. John Yudichak and Sen. Lisa Baker.

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday signed Senate Bill 699 into law, completing the transfer of Moon Lake Park from Luzerne County to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, praised the action by the governor that finishes a process started last December when Luzerne County and DCNR began discussions of a transfer.

“Today is the beginning of a brighter future for Moon Lake and a major step forward to needed improvements to the park to increase its value for area families,” Yudichak said. “Under DCNR’s management, Moon Lake Park will be the recreational jewel for the citizens of northeastern Pennsylvania that it once was.”

A strong bi-partisan consensus was built for SB 699 with Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, and Representatives Gerald Mullery, D-Newport Township, and Karen Boback, R-Harveys Lake.

“This is a place to be treasured, protected, maintained, and improved,” Baker said. “This new operating arrangement enables those things to happen. As such, it is a wonderful demonstration of the politics of the possible.”

Mullery said once the crown jewel of Luzerne County, Moon Lake Park has fallen into great disrepair.

“This is the first, albeit important, step in restoring the park to its original purpose as a premier destination for recreation and conservation,” Mullery said. “Thankfully, with the help of the Commonwealth, future generations will be able to enjoy all the park has to offer.”

Boback said she appreciates the efforts of all those involved in making sure this park is repaired and maintained.

“I know that many people in our region have memories of what this park once was,” Boback said. “This bill would make sure that it is preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

The Plymouth Township Park was purchased by Luzerne County in 1968, the same year federal and state funds had become available through Project 70. The bill releases the park from the restrictions of the state’s Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act.

Former DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti and current Secretary Cindy Dunn were instrumental in putting together the Commonwealth’s plan to assume ownership of Moon Lake Park.