State and local officials Friday broke ground on an improvement project for Raccoon Creek Park, a 195-acre park that lies along the shoreline of Lake Erie and provides access to Raccoon Creek.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources invested $152,000 in the rehabilitation of the township park through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

“The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of their parks and trails, access to waterways, open spaces, and opportunities to be active outdoors,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said.

“This project is sure to increase visitors who are looking for great fishing opportunities, access to Lake Erie or a great place for their children to play,” Allan said.

Work will include the construction of a new pavilion with restrooms, a food preparation area, utility room, picnic shelter, and related landscaping. Green features of the new structure will include energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, a tank-less hot water heater, and native plantings.

Allan was joined at the groundbreaking event today by officials of Springfield Township and Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie).

The DCNR grant money was provided through the Keystone Fund generated from a portion of the real estate transfer tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Zone Management Program also provided $136,000 for this project.

Other state partners are interested in making future improvements to the Raccoon Creek Park site. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks Raccoon Creek with steelhead trout and has indicated an interest in stream improvements once the park rehabilitation is complete.

State Game Lands 314 also borders the park, which is mostly wooded. The township intends to partner with the Game Commission on trail improvements, security and some limited archery hunting.

10/29/2012