Schuylkill County will apply for a state grant to improve its public park, Sweet Arrow Lake.

The amount of the grant has yet to be determined, said Parks and Recreation Supervisor Robert Evanchalk."It is too early to tell. The grant has just opened and we need to work through the paperwork to see what we will qualify for. We are going to aim for at least $100,000," he said.Commissioners this week gave the Parks and Recreation Commission approval to apply for the grant, through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.The money would development the waterfall parking area to include a large pavilion, playground, paving, parking, restrooms and well.If the county gets the grant, construction could start next year. The park spans Pine Grove and Washington townships.The improvements are needed, Evanchalk said."Almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday is booked and many weekdays get used as well," he said. "The pavilion is booked every weekend throughout the summer, and I probably get twice the requests than I have available dates. This is the primary reason we desire to construct a second large pavilion."Evanchalk estimates there were about 40,000 park visitors last year, including fishermen, boaters, hikers, geocachers, and disc golfers.A total of 15,648 people attended functions and programs at the clubhouse and pavilions. The average number of building uses was 306 for the year. A total of 501 people rented boats from the park concession, and 13 people rented boat mooring spots, he said.The number of uses - class reunions, meetings, weddings and other events - grew from 283 in 2011 to 306 last year. The number of people attending those functions grew from 14,486 to 15,648 over the same period.The county in 2001 bought the 183.47-acre site from Pine Grove. About 60 acres is lakes, ponds and streams.