Pocono News Section

Potential Future for Moon Lake Park

Potential Future for Moon Lake Park - Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 6:21PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 @ 06:21pm EST

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY- Moon Lake Park is closed now but could be bought by a private company. That would enable the park to reopen by spring.

Luzerne County commissioner Maryanne Petrillla says a buyer could be around the corner. "Obviously it would be a for-profit for them but it would be a leasing situation for the county so when the county does get on better financial footing we could take it over as a county park again," said Petrilla.
Commissioner Petrilla says four companies are vying to buy Moon Lake Park. The county hopes the sale will be finalized by the end of February. By Spring the county hopes sign a deal with natural gas company Encana. That company is interested in drilling on Moon Lake 's 670 acres.

"Not only enabling us to improve Moon Lake Park, keep in open and operational, but also add revenues into the general budget to prevent more layoffs," said Petrilla.

Royalties from drilling could help cut into the county's budget shortfall. Encana would also look to Moon Lake itself as a water source to help the drilling process.