South Chester Today

Rep. John Lawrence and the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee convened a hearing to discuss the future of Big Elk Creek State Park. The session took place at Avon Grove High School in Jennersville, drawing over 160 community members.

The hearing featured testimony from several individuals, including John Hallas, State Parks director at DCNR; Hon. Andrew Dinniman, retired state senator; Hon. David Gerstenhaber, chairman of Franklin Township Board of Supervisors; Hon. Estace Walters, vice chairman of Elk Township Board of Supervisors; Hon. Eric Roe, Chester County commissioner; Anteia Consorto from Save Big Elk Creek; Gary Schroeder, founder of Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve; and George Hundt Jr., executive director at Safety, Agriculture, Villages, and Environment.

The community has been advocating for the park to remain a preserve rather than being developed into a tourist attraction by DCNR. Concerns were raised about DCNR's ability to manage new infrastructure given their existing maintenance backlog.

Testifiers emphasized preserving the natural landscape and serenity of the area. Initially promised as undeveloped wilderness by DCNR, plans changed in 2022 with proposals for a campground and RV hookups.

Gary Schroeder suggested renaming Big Elk as a preserve following the successful model of White Clay Creek Preserve: “I challenge DCNR and PA State Parks to take the lead by renaming the Big Elk a preserve.”

Rep. Lawrence highlighted the long-term impact decisions would have on Southern Chester: “This hearing highlighted concerns that must be addressed. I strongly urge DCNR to live up to the commitments made over the past decade and manage Big Elk Creek as a preserve.”