University Park

Shaver's Creek dedicates new boardwalk

A favorite landmark has returned to Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. A new helical pier boardwalk was dedicated during a small ceremony recently for those instrumental in rebuilding the structure that was lost to Hurricane Fran in 1996.

The boardwalk connects the center to Stone Valley Recreation area across the inflow of Shaver's Creek into Lake Perez. Hikers and the teaching staff at Shaver's Creek are looking forward to using the boardwalk to enjoy and learn about the wetlands at the mouth of the creek. Visitors will be able to enjoy both a quicker path to the other side of the lake and a wonderful view of the aquatic life at the lake's inflow. Fish, skippers, waterfowl and skunk cabbage will be easily visible from the new deck.

Its steel helical pier system, manufactured by A.B. Chance, will give the boardwalk more flexibility than the old boardwalk and the stability to withstand future floods, according to Shaver's Creek naturalist Doug Wentzel, who directed the reconstruction.

"This type of design for building foundations is ecologically sound for delicate wetlands," said Wentzel. "The design leaves a much smaller ecological footprint than traditional methods and provides significantly reduced resistance to fast-flowing water." Wentzel added that the steel structure will have no wood preservative leaching or concrete curing. Locally milled black walnut hardwood was used for the decking.

The Centre County Community Foundation and a group of private donors helped to make the reconstruction a reality. Guests are welcome to explore the boardwalk during the center's regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

A trio of youngsters check out the new boardwalk at Shaver's Creek. Credit: Jeff DeitrichAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated November 18, 2010

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