RED HOUSE — Get ready for some changes at Allegany State Park this summer.
A $6 million comprehensive rehabilitation project of the Red House dam will begin this summer “in an effort to further provide safe and enjoyable recreation at Allegany State Park,” said Regional Director Jay Bailey on Wednesday.
The dam, built in 1927, needs to be brought into compliance with safety standards. The project was proceeded about two years ago with an inspection of the dam and spillway, including underwater inspection using divers with video cameras.
In October 2015, crews began cutting trees and brush from the earthen portion of the dam.
The rehabilitation of the Red House Lake dam and spillway and bridge will require the level of the lake be lowered and the closing of the swimming area by early July.
“In anticipation of this project, we have made arrangements to increase the size and capacity of Quaker Lake Beach to accommodate additional swimmers for the summer season,” Bailey said.
Quaker Lake will offer a new bathhouse and playground, Bailey said, adding there are plans to allow boat rentals.
“The picnic areas, picnic shelters, athletic fields, park stores, gift shops and Red House Beach Snack Bar will be remain open throughout the summer,” Bailey said.
The lowering of the level of Red House Lake will not affect other Red House facilities or activities, he said
The lake is expected to be filled back up by Spring 2018. Final design and reviews are underway, with bids expected to be let in the spring.
Swimming is set to open at Red House Beach on Memorial Day and continue weekends until the start of peak season later in June, at which time the beach will be open daily until the lake is lowered for the construction.
During the construction project, the roadway over the earthen dam will be temporarily closed to traffic with a detour around the lake during the construction period.
Park officials said the rehabilitation project will address. several key components of the dam including demolition and replacement of the existing bridge, spillway rehabilitation, embankment strengthening, road safety improvements, installation of new lakeside path and lake access improvements.
The project will be fully completed before the start of the start of the 2018 summer season.
