HARRISBURG, Pa. (Aug. 9) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is alerting anglers, boaters and the general public that Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs, Cumberland County, will be temporarily drawn down over the next several weeks in order to make repairs to the dam and a retaining wall at the boat ramp.
The lake will be drawn down four to five feet beginning Monday, Aug. 15, and will remain drawn down for up to two weeks while repairs are made. The lake will be refilled immediately after the repairs are complete.
There are two parts to the project.
PFBC staff will construct a 7 foot deep by 65 foot long concrete cutoff wall between the dam and Bucher Hill Road. In June, normal seepage from the dam created piping in the ground which led to a sinkhole forming on the road. The township repaired the sinkhole and the PFBC lowered the lake by one foot to stop the seepage. Once installed, the cutoff wall will restrict groundwater flow and prevent the piping from moving farther away from the dam.
The second part of the project involves making routine repairs to the retaining wall that supports the access area parking lot.
During the work period, the boat launch and parking area will be closed, along with public access to the top of the dam. The parking area across the street from the dam will remain open. However, limited parking spots will be available as the site will be used to stage and mobilize construction equipment.
The short-term closure of Bucher Hill Road directly adjacent to the work area will be necessary during certain construction activities. All work will be completed by PFBC construction staff in coordination with South Middleton Township.
Following the repairs, the PFBC will continue to monitor the dam to determine if any additional measures are needed.
This closure will not affect use of the Appalachian Trail.
Media Contact
Eric Levis, Press Secretary
717.705.7806
elevis@pa.gov