Ohiopyle State Park is conducting a public open house on Saturday, Nov 22, 2008, to gather input and feedback on a new proposal for private boater access to Ohiopyle Falls. The open house is a chance for the boating community to review the new park proposal, ask questions of park staff and provide comments. The open house will be conducted between 1 pm to 5 pm at the Meadow Run House (former park manager’s residence) across form the Meadow Run Natural Water Slides.

American Whitewater is requesting that as many boaters as possible show up at the open house to show support for private boater access. Please contact Barry Adams or 412-242-4562 if you can attend. A strong showing of support is necessary from the boating community to secure Ohiopyle Falls access.

Those that can not attend the meeting will have the opportunity to request, review and provide feedback on the access proposal through the end of the 2008 calendar year. Ohiopyle State Park will make the proposal available at the park office or by email requests after the open house.

In addition to attending the open house, American Whitewater requests that boaters submit letters in support of private boater access (more details on this after the meeting). Please contact Barry Adams if you intend to submit a written response.

It is important to note that even though this proposal could give boaters public access to Ohiopyle Falls, the Bureau of State Parks can and will reject their own proposal if they feel the community is not in favor of their proposal.

American Whitewater has been working on this issue with Ohiopyle State Park for over fifteen years and we now need boater participation and comments at this open house. While the new proposal is encouraging for boater access it is not a done deal. Boater support and involvement is critical at this stage of the process.

Ohiopyle Falls Access Committee
American Whitewater
Mark Singleton
Barry Adams
Kevin Colburn
Charlie Walbridge
Barry Tuscano
John Lichter
Matt Muir
Pat Norton
Ken Gfroerer