Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center has reopened for daily public access following a monthslong project to expand parking, improve accessibility and upgrade stormwater management.
The Penn State center in Petersburg resumed regular daily hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week after being intermittently closed since late October.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the public back to Shaver’s Creek,” Anna George, Shaver’s Creek executive director, said in a statement. “We’re incredibly grateful for the patience and support our community has shown during this project, and these improvements allow us to better serve our visitors and welcome even more to our community, while still protecting the natural environment that makes Shaver’s Creek so special.”
Renovations to the parking area expanded spaces from 70 to more than 150, including accessible parking closer to the building and new electric vehicle charging stations, according to plans announced in the fall. Stormwater improvements redirected runoff to address issues with trails and roadsides getting swampy or washed out during heavy rain events and water overtopping culverts and flowing into the center’s yard.
The project was designed to add accessibility features and accommodate visitors without infringing on the wildlife habitat or natural areas.
The updated layout also introduces a new traffic flow pattern, and guests are encouraged to follow posted signage when arriving on-site.
“While most construction is complete, minor finishing work will continue over the coming weeks, and visitors are advised to be mindful of active work areas during this time,” Shaver’s Creek wrote in a news release on Monday.
The project’s completion comes on the heels of Shaver’s Creek 50th anniversary celebration on May 23, when community members, supporters and current and former staff and students came together to mark the milestone.
