UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Stone Valley Recreation Area, part of Penn State Campus Recreation, is rolling out cabin and staffing improvements that will result in a better overall visitor experience, as well as a new pricing structure.
Stone Valley has long offered cabin, pavilion and boat rentals for visitors. As part of an ongoing facility, program and services review, Campus Recreation conducted a benchmarking study comparing Stone Valley Recreation Area’s rental operations and pricing with that of local, regional and national outdoor recreation areas. Those findings indicated that Stone Valley’s rental rates and services fell far below industry standards, and that revenue was insufficient to cover associated operating costs.
Following the review, Campus Recreation has made changes to the customer services and visitor experience at Stone Valley. Renters will now have access to overnight staff, as well as staff trained in CPR/AED. Going into fall 2018, all cabins have been deep cleaned and furnished with new mattresses.
In addition, a new pricing structure will be implemented for 2018-19, which will go into effect on Aug. 31. The new pricing structure is divided into the following categories:
- Penn State University Park students
- Penn State department/unit
- Campus Recreation member
- Campus Recreation nonmember
Under the new fee guidelines, students will see most rental rates decrease, while other users will generally see modest price increases for the coming year. For example, a four-bed cabin rental on nonpeak nights will decrease from $72.96 to $60 per night for students, while Penn State departments and units, Campus Recreation members, and Campus Recreation nonmembers will see their nonpeak nightly rates increase from $72.96 to $95, $105 and $115, respectively. Cabin rental rates will be higher for peak nights, which include graduation, home football weekends and holidays. In the new pricing structure, student pricing is subsidized by the student fee.
For a full listing of 2018-19 rates, visit the Stone Valley Recreation Area website.
Stone Valley Recreation Area is situated about 17 miles from Penn State’s University Park campus and provides a picturesque destination for outdoor activities, such as boating, hiking and fishing. Penn State students, central Pennsylvania residents, and visitors can enjoy miles of wooded trails, 72-acre Lake Perez, and challenge courses and teambuilding opportunities.
For questions about Stone Valley Recreation Area or rentals, contact Cynthia Rabbers, assistant director of Campus Recreation for Stone Valley, at 814-863-1164 or cjr147@psu.edu.