Dec 17, 2014 3 min read

The future of recreation in Washington County-owned parks may include an amphitheater, multi-use building and weather-dependent outdoor ice rink for Mingo, but anyone hoping for sanctioned swimming and a sandy beach at Cross Creek lake will likely be out of luck, according to the long-range plan county commissioners expect to adopt at their meeting today.

Despite the nixing of a sandy beach, “Most of the development is in Cross Creek,” said Lisa Cessna, executive director of the Washington County Planning Commission.

The master plan calls for a boardwalk to increase accessibility to the water and a terraced lawn at the boat launch on the Route 50 side of the park. Other plans for Cross Creek include a lakeside trail, “discovery cove” and development of shelters for a picnic area on the ridges on the south side of the park that offer a view of the lake.

The plan also calls for a “revenue-generating event lawn” designed to accommodate park and community events and equestrian trailheads “to encourage horseback riders to stay within areas” where horseback riding is permitted.

An outdoor learning center is described as a base for nature programs, and a fishing pier is categorized as a long-term goal.

“Unlike Mingo Creek park, Cross Creek does not currently provide opportunity for organized groups, such as Scout troops, to utilize the park for overnight camping. As the need grows over time and interest from local groups increases, implementing an organized group campground should be considered,” the master plan states.

Cross Creek park opened more recently than Mingo, which dates to the 1970s.

No refrigeration infrastructure would be built at Mingo park to support the ice rink, which would be created in a meadow with four to six inches of water for use during periods of sub-freezing temperatures.

“We haven’t really identified the location for this,” Cessna said.

The amphitheater would be centrally located near the current park office, which would be replaced in the long term by a larger building to be christened the “multi-use facility” for visitor information, park-sponsored programs and events, plus an office for park staff.

In this vicinity would be a streamside boardwalk and a “nature adventure” playground.

The plan also calls for the upgrading of shelters and rest rooms at Mingo and adding a disc golf course. It uses the term “event lawn,” saying the space can begin being utilized in its current state.

Equestrian trails, already a feature at Mingo, also are mentioned in the context of providing more shelters and rest rooms “that are accessible to horseback riders without having to encroach on trails and areas of the park not designated for horseback riding.”

The plan calls for camping facilities to serve moderate- to large-sized groups “as demand increases.”

A year ago, the county commissioners awarded GAI Inc. a $126,000 contract, to be paid from oil and gas revenue, to act as consultant for the project, which began with a public comment session in March.

The county also is updating its parks, recreation and open space plan, which includes the Panhandle Trail and Ten Mile Creek County Park, which has 25 acres. Because of their relatively small size, Panhandle and Ten Mile won’t see many changes.

The county completed its last master plan for parks in 2000.