If you have visited Beltzville State Park, you know what a really great getaway it is - at least sometimes. But if you are jockeying for a spot on a hot summer weekend or, even worse, a hot holiday weekend, be sure to pack your patience. You’re going to need it. That’s assuming you can get into the place.

And if you live within a stone’s throw, well, I probably can’t print your reaction in a family newspaper.

If you do live near the park in Franklin Township, you probably have developed a love-hate relationship with Beltzville. On one level, you can understand the economic benefits for area businesses, having visitors come to one of the most popular parks in the state, but, on a more personal level, you wonder why you have to pay such a steep quality-of-life price solely because of your proximity to Beltzville.

It’s not as if the powers that be are not paying attention. Last year, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, took the extraordinary step during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic of asking the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to crack down on overcrowding and bad behavior at the park near Lehighton by banning out-of-state use of the facility.

Such a move, however, does not appear to be legally possible. The land and lake at Beltzville State Park are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and managed for recreation by DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The lease with the corps, as well as the source of federal funds used to obtain the lands at Beltzville, require that no person be excluded from public use of the premises.

Heffley has some good news this year. He said because of improved park management and steps taken by the state to address some of the persistent issues, things are “going in the right direction.”

Heffley cautioned, however, that not everything will be corrected overnight or even in one season, but he is pleased to see significant progress.

In the past, Heffley pointed to drug and alcohol use and said this idyllic spot has been “trashed” by thoughtless visitors. More vigilance has led to more citations being written this year to send an important message to offenders, he said.

Heffley introduced a bill last year that would mandate a user fee that would go into a fund for the park’s maintenance. “I don’t think in this climate you can ask (Pennsylvania) taxpayers to pay more taxes for parks when a lot of people who are using them come from outside the area and outside the state,” he said.

“If you spend a little money to come in, you are more respectful of the facilities,” Heffley believes.

High usage at Beltzville and several other state parks in the eastern part of the state is intended for high-density recreation, according to John Hallas, DCNR state parks director. As a result, though, this presents challenges as visitors seek refuge from some of these beastly hot days we have been experiencing this summer.

Responding to criticism from local and state leaders and local residents, Hallas announced these steps are now in force at the park this season. Park officials have:

• Added additional portable toilets and dumpsters for trash disposal;

• Provided trash bags to visitors to use to properly dispose of trash;

• Added additional signs outlining rules, regulations and courteous behavior, including reminders that alcoholic beverages are prohibited, swimming is only permitted in designated areas, loud noise/music should be kept to a minimum, and to clean up after yourself and your pets;

• Brought in staff from other state parks and central office to assist and work with local and state law enforcement officers to increase presence on weekends and holidays;

• Implemented weekend closures through Labor Day at the Wild Creek, Christman Trail, Evergreen and Cove parking areas to prevent further damage and degradation to these resources;

• Discontinued the use of the soccer fields for overflow parking;

• Closed Pohopoco Drive at Green Street and Pine Run Road when the day use area reaches capacity. Visitors will not be permitted to walk into the park once the day use area closes;

• Required buses to obtain prior written approval from the park manager due to limited parking;

• Informed travelers and potential visitors on the Pennsylvania Turnpike via electronic signs that the park is closed or near capacity,

• Made 7 p.m. announcements that the park closes at sunset so guests can begin the process of cleaning up and departing.

Hallas noted that visitors can take actions that will help keep Beltzville safe by observing these important suggestions:

• Don’t park in undesignated parking areas as this impacts safety, natural resources and nearby residents.

• Carry out what you carry in, and dispose of trash properly in bins and dumpsters.

• Swim only in designated swimming beach areas.

• Be courteous to other visitors and abide by noise and alcohol restrictions, and other rules and regulations.

• Ride ATVs and other motorized vehicles only on designated ATV trails.

Heffley said police, fire and state officials are working with nearby residents to make sure that they have access to roads upon leaving their homes and property. This is another important step in the right direction.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.