COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA        Department of Conservation and Natural Resources CHAPMAN STATE PARK 4790 Chapman Dam Road Clarendon, PA 16313-9607 CONTACT: Jennifer Moore Environmental Education Specialist Phone: 814-723-0250 Fax: 814-723-0256

CHAPMAN STATE PARK BEACH TO OPEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

With the summer season approaching, your local State Parks are gearing up for another great season of fun.  Chapman State Park’s swimming beach will officially open to the public Saturday May 26 at 8:00 a.m.  A beach sand replenishment project, completed this spring, has increased the volume and quality of sand at the beach.  Swimming hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.  In addition to the beach opening, our concessionaire, BEI, will be opening the same day.  The concession provides canoes, kayaks and paddle boats for rent as well as food, snacks and firewood for sale.  Contact BEI or the park office for concession hours.
For more information, please contact the park office at (814) 723-0250.

UPPER LOOP OF CAMPGROUND TO OPEN FOR SEASON

The Upper Loop of the Chapman State Park campground will officially open for the 2012 camping season beginning Friday, May 18th.  The Lower Loop of the campground has been open since April 9th.  Select sites in the Lower Loop are now open to pets.  Camping Cottage #1 is open to dogs this season under a pilot program.

Reservations can be made online and through the PA State Parks call center up to 11 months in advance, or at the park office the day of arrival.  Facilities available for reservations include campsites, camping cottages, yurts, organized group tenting area, pavilions and amphitheatre.
Chapman’s campground is a beautiful wooded site and consists of three camping cottages, two yurts and 82 campsites that vary from secluded tent only sites to 100 foot camping spurs with 50 amp electric hook-ups.

To make a reservation or for more information on any of Pennsylvania’s other state parks, contact the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation System at 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757) between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or visit us online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.  Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

Have a comment, suggestion, or a program you’d like to see? Email the Naturalist!  ChapmanEE@state.pa.us

Friday, May 25, 2012
6:00-7:30 PM - “STREAM STOMP” – Investigate the stream by Penny Run Trail and look for fish, salamanders, crayfish and other aquatic creatures. Be prepared to get your feet Wet! Meet at Parking Lot # 1
9:00 – 10:30 PM - “WELCOME CAMPFIRE” - Gather around a comfortable campfire and let us welcome you to Chapman State Park. Learn about wildlife, listen to campfire stories and share your own favorites, and enjoy roasted marshmallows. Meet at Camp Host Site

Saturday, May 26, 2012
3:00 – 4:30 PM - “ANIMAL TRACKS” - Have you ever found an animal track you wished you could identify? Join the Naturalist to identify them and make a track craft to take home. Meet at Beach Concession Stand
8:00- 9:30 PM - “MOVIE NIGHT – SEASON OF THE BEAR” – Enjoy Volume 1 as you watch black bears up close and personal! Amphitheater

Sunday, May 27, 2012
10:00 AM - CHAPEL SERVICE - NON-DENOMINATIONAL  Amphitheater (Pavilion 4 in case of rain)
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM - “CANOE CHAPMAN”- Come to the Mooring Area by the Warming Hut for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a canoe tour on the lake and the creek. Kayaks will also be available to try. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as canoes and kayaks are limited. You may bring your own canoe or kayak but you must still register. Registrations can be made by calling the park office at (814) 723-0250 by Saturday, 5/26. Mooring Area
3:00 – 4:30 PM - “ECO-SAND SCULPTURE COMPETITION” - Are you up for the challenge? Come out to the beach to learn about ecosystems and enter a nature-themed sculpture into the contest. Small prizes and certificates will be awarded to winners. Please bring your own sand equipment. Beach

Monday, May 28, 2012
All Day - “FISH FOR FREE DAY” - No license needed. All other regulations apply. Lake only
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM - “FAMILY FISHING” – Join the Park Naturalist for a day of fishing. Poles and bait will be provided. Pavilion #1
3:00 – 4:30 PM - “FISH PRINTS” – Learn about the ancient Chinese art of fish printing and then make your own. Beach Concession Stand

CONCESSION STAND (boat rentals/snacks/ice/firewood, etc.)
Friday - 1 pm to 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 11am-7pm
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday(closed Tuesdays) - 12 noon-6 pm
Use your camping receipt to receive a 10% discount on boat and bike rental.

All programs are provided free of charge, unless otherwise noted in the description.
Have a suggestion or a program you’d like to see? Email the naturalist! ChapmanEE@state.pa.us