Carbon County residents will be able to enjoy Mauch Chunk Lake Park’s beach over the Fourth of July holiday.

On Thursday, the commissioners ratified a one-week extension effective immediately through July 7, restricting the swimming area access to Carbon County residents and season pass holders only.

There will be an admission fee though as lifeguards will begin manning the beaches this weekend. Admission for adults is $3 and $2 for children.

The action does not extend the county-only camping restriction that expired on June 30. Camping is open to the general public and those who rented camping sites will have access to the beach.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that the county has received a lot of input from residents on the restrictions and said the county will continue to review the situation and make decisions that will take county residents into consideration, but also the need to generate revenue from the park.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that the swimming area will remain at no more than 75 percent capacity. That averages about 600 people.

Revenue

He noted that the revenue situation because of the pandemic is requiring the county to try to find a balance between running the park, maintaining the quality experience and taking care of the health and safety of both county employees and residents.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park takes approximately $676,000 to operate annually.

Of that amount, gate fees and camping typically makes up 43 percent of the budget, while $48,000 comes from the county general fund.

The remaining funds come from the county’s portion of the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau hotel tax.

But this year, Lukasevich said because of the current situation, the county is anticipating a decrease of approximately $75,000 in revenue at the park for the remainder of the operating year.

“COVID-19 had a direct impact on past revenue generation and the requirement to maintain the swimming area at 75 percent capacity and likewise camping further reduce our revenue generation to get closer to staying in balance with our revenue and expenditures.”

Fee increases

To help make up for some of the revenue losses so far, the commissioners also approved fee increases for all non-county residents.

Effective immediately, daily admission fees, as well as weekends and holidays will be $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 4 to 12; tent camping will increase to $40 a night for in-season; the extra vehicle fee increases to $10 a car; and camping cottages increases to $100 a night.

“This rate increase for non-county residents will help notably offset the decrease in revenue,” Lukasevich said.

The holiday weekend

The county is also preparing for an influx of people from outside the county trying to come to Mauch Chunk Lake Park once surrounding state parks and beaches are at capacity.

To help with this, the board approved a motion to enter into agreements with Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill police departments for increased patrolling and assisting with the additional pressure put on Mauch Chunk Lake Park staff Saturday and Sunday.

The Carbon County Sheriff’s office will also be assisting at the park on these days.