Marsh Creek State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Marsh Creek State Park, Pennsylvania, USA | |
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| IUCN Category III (Natural Monument) | |
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| Location: | Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nearest city: | Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 1,705 acres (6.90 km²) |
| Established: | 1974 |
| Governing body: | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Marsh Creek State Park is a 1,705 acre (6.90 km²) Pennsylvania State Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is the location of the 535 acre (2.16 km²) man made Marsh Creek Lake. The lake is a stop for migrating waterfowl. Marsh Creek State Park is two miles (3.22 km) west of Eagle on Pennsylvania Route 100.
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[edit] History
The state of Pennsylvania acquired the land that became Marsh Creek State Park between 1964 and 1978, with work on the dam done from 1970 to 1973 (the lake took three years to fill). Construction of the dam on Marsh Creek and formation of Marsh Creek Lake at Marsh Creek State Park solved several problems. First, the lake is now a reservoir which provides drinking water for the Chester County Water Resources Authority, alleviating a previous drinking water shortage. Second, the dam limits the possible damage caused by seasonal flooding in the area. Finally, the lake provided new outdoor recreational opportuniites for the people of western Chester County. All this was not without costs: the area the lake now covers was once the farm community of Milford Mills, which now lies at the bottom of the lake.
Upon completion of the reservoir the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the land surrounding Marsh Creek Lake, constructed recreational facilities, and opened the land to the public. New facilities built from 1971 to 1979 included administrative and picnic areas, a playground, pool, and wells. The park opened in two stages: in 1974 the park was opened for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice sports and sailing, while the pool and day use area opened in July 1979.
[edit] Recreation
[edit] Marsh Creek Lake
Marsh Creek Lake is open to fishing and recreational boating. It is a warm water fishery with largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, tiger muskellunge, and channel catfish all swimming in its waters. The lake is a desiganted "big bass" lake only bass 15 inches and greater may be kept. Bass smaller than 15 inches must be released back into the lake. Gasoline powered boats are prohibited at Marsh Creek Lake. Boaters are restricted to using non powered or electric powered boats. All boats must be properly registered with any state. Marsh Creek Lake is open to ice fishing, ice boating and ice skating when it is frozen.
[edit] Hunting
About 900 acres of Marsh Creek State Park are open to hunting. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species are squirrels, pheasant, waterfowl, rabbits and white-tailed deer. The hunting of groundhogs is prohibited.
[edit] Swimming
There is an "L" shaped swimming pool that is open at Marsh Creek State Park from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 pm. The pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes Labor Day weekend. A shallow wading pool is also available as well as a bathhouse, sunning area and snack bar.
[edit] Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Marsh Creek State Park:
- Brandywine Creek State Park (Delaware)
- Evansburg State Park (Montgomery County)
- Fort Washington State Park (Montgomery County)
- French Creek State Park (Berks and Chester Counties)
- Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center (Berks County)
- Norristown Farm Park (Montgomery County)
- Ridley Creek State Park (Delaware County)
- White Clay Creek Preserve (Chester County)
- White Clay Creek State Park (Delaware)
[edit] References
- Map Reference for Marsh Creek State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
- United States Geological Survey. Marsh Creek State Park, USGS Downingtown (PA) Topo Map. Topozone.com. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
- Marsh Creek State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
