(3/1) Cunningham Falls State Park is undergoing several construction-related projects this year, some of which may have a direct impact on visitors to the park. Mark Spurrier, Park Manager at Cunningham Falls State Park, gave a presentation regarding both the ongoing and upcoming park renovations and upgrades to Thurmont’s Board of Commissioners during their February 19 town meeting.

Park representatives knew that in order to continue accommodating the nearly 400,000 guests who visit Cunningham Falls State Park annually, a few changes needed to be made. The picnic pads, which are used heavily by visitors who swim at the lake during the summer were in rough shape, warping and becoming unsafe for visitors to use. 40 picnic pads were rehabilitated, using concrete slabs as the base instead of wood to give the pads’ life more longevity. Some of these new slabs are also larger, housing four or five picnic tables to accommodate larger groups of people. Grills were also installed within these concrete picnic pads.

In an effort to speed up entry into the park, the park will be constructing dual lane entry and a brand new contact station. The two lanes and two new pay stations will allow traffic to pass through more efficiently. Spurrier hopes this change will help speed up the line of entering traffic so visitors can enjoy more time within the park during its busiest times of the year.

Additionally, Cunningham Falls will soon be welcoming a newly renovated nature center. The facility, which was originally a bathroom, turned beech front store, will now be repurposed into a nature center. Within the 334 square foot, single room facility, park staff hopes to do interpretive activities and crafts both inside and outside the building. A new sidewalk, sinks and a new roof will help turn this into a working nature center.

One project of note that may negatively impact visitors to the park for a period of time is the demolition and re-construction of the Point Bathroom, which is located near the boat rentals by the lake. The building has already been demolished and is currently awaiting construction. The bathroom will be built completely from scratch and is projected to take nearly two years to complete. The equipment that is being used to construct this bathroom is being stored on site, taking up a portion of the parking area. For visitors, this means there will be reduced parking and the chances of reaching capacity at the lake’s parking lot are much higher than in years past.

Next year, the park will undergo work to create a new beachfront area at the park’s largest beach area, the south beach. This will include the installation of a rock base to help decrease the amount of sand and soil that washes away each year. Erosion control and new storm water management objectives will also be initiated next year.

Two additional projects that are currently underway, and have been in the works for a few years, are the restoration and conversion of the Museum of the Iron Furnace and the stabilization of the Iron Master’s House. Cunningham Falls has a partnership with the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, and through grants and various methods of fundraising they have been able to work on restoring the building back to its original state. Approximately $75,000 in grant monies has already been received to stabilize the Iron Master’s House.

In closing the presentation Mayor John Kinnaird noted his appreciation for all the renovations that are being made at Cunningham Falls State Park. It is a great attraction for all those who visit the area, and garners business and support for the whole town of Thurmont.