Somerset County hires new trail director; boat rental deal approved for Somerset Lake
Mar. 28—SOMERSET, Pa. — Somerset County has a new trail director.
And Somerset County commissioners also approved three contracts that will get planning — and a boat rental business — underway at the Somerset Lake Nature Park.
Anna "Cathie" Beal was hired Wednesday in a 3-0 vote to become Somerset County's next Parks and Trails Director.
Beal is currently the county's recycling coordinator.
Somerset County Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes noted Beal has a parks and recreation-related degree and her enthusiasm for the trail system stood out as the board was looking for a new trail director.
"(Beal) is willing to roll up her sleeves and try new challenges," she said.
She will assume her new duties Monday, the board said.
Beal replaces Lindsay Baer in the role, which involves promoting, maintaining and enhancing the county's trails and parks, including Somerset County's portion of the Great Allegheny Passage.
Beal told The Tribune-Democrat Wednesday that she understands she has a "learning curve," but important groundwork has already been laid to move priority projects forward.
Efforts are underway to expand Somerset Lake Nature Park and extend the September 11 National Memorial Trail further north from Garrett to Berlin.
"The 9/11 trail is a huge priority for the county, and we're working with PennDOT to get (the latest) phase started," she said.
Both of those projects are underway.
Beal will earn an annual salary of $45,000 in 2024, Somerset commissioners said.
Before taking the role as the county's recycling coordinator, Beal worked in the therapeutic recreation field.
In a previous role with the Somerset County Workshop, which prepares people with developmental disabilities for jobs, she said workshop employees often went on excursions to the county's parks and trails to acclimate them to outdoor recreation.
Beal said she also worked with Baer and county officials to continue moving the lake and trail projects forward once Baer announced she was leaving for a DCNR job.
A deal was approved Tuesday to enable a watercraft rental business to set up this summer at Somerset Lake.
The idea has been in the works for months, but the commissioners' 3-0 vote finalizes a contract to allow an existing business to set up shop near Somerset Lake's boat launch.
Lisa Maurer, whose family operates the Yak Shak at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, will offer kayaks, paddleboards and gear — with a concessions stand also planned.
Maurer will pay $300 per season for the rights to operate the site, as well as 15% of the shop's monthly gross sales, Somerset County commissioners said.
Three other contracts were also approved to advance improvements at the man-made lake.
Apex Engineering of Somerset was awarded two separate contracts to engineer and design an extension of the Somerset Lake Trail loop and a proposed multi-use ampitheater and pavilion.
The design contracts awarded were $20,000 and $19,400 respectively, county officials said.
Steel Construction was also awarded a $600 contract to clear and seed 31/2 acres of woodland near the lake shoreline for development.
Restrooms, a pavilion and the board rental site are all planned for 2024, Beal has said.
