HERMITAGE, Pa. — Shutdowns and social distancing brought more residents visiting parks ini 2020 as they searched for safe activities to combat the emotional, physical and mental health effects of the pandemic, says Ryan Voisey, director of operations at Buhl Park.
“We were able to provide a safe space for all park visitors by ramping up our cleaning protocols inside restrooms, buildings and recreational areas,” Voisey says.
The park’s free nine-hole golf course was featured on the YouTube series “Adventures in Golf” with Erik Anders Lang, giving Buhl Park a national audience, Voisey says. The video affirmed the importance of having the free golf course in the community, which led to the construction of a new practice green for chipping, as well as extending the tee box for hole No. 1.
In addition, Buhl Park introduced a water sports rental business, Snappy’s Float’n Boats, which features pedal boats, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and an ADA floating dock, which “quickly became popular within the community,” Voisey says.
This year, Buhl Park looks to expand Snappy’s Float’n Boats and its revamped junior golf program under the new direction of Adam Scott, director of golf and fundraising. If permitted, the park hopes to bring back its summer youth program, reopen its pool and organize community events.