Geneva state park prepares for spring, summer

Mar. 26—GENEVA-ON-THE LAKE — Geneva State Park is gearing up for the spring and summer seasons with a big start April 8 with programming related to the total solar eclipse, said GSP Manager Gary Gerrone.

"The eclipse is the biggest thing by far this spring. We have done our part to ready the park and the staff, now it is up to Mother Nature to limit the cloud cover," Gerrone said in an email interview.

"The future will see a lot of infrastructure projects at the park. Some of these will start in 2024. Included will be an upgrade to the campground's electric service, improvement to the park's sanitary sewer system, and a large shoreline erosion control project, he said.

The Geneva State Park Marina also will see another improvement project this year. Gerrone said a surface skimmer was added in 2022 to be more environmentally friendly and a recycling boat wash station in 2023.

"The marina will see the replacement of their underground fuel storage tanks. The new tanks will be 'above-ground', which makes them more environmentally friendly," Gerrone said.

A naturalist was recently hired and will provide programming for visitors, Gerrone said.

"Austyn Hamper recently took on the duties of a naturalist for the state park. His program schedule will be out soon, and will contain a wide variety of opportunities to learn about nature and the park," he said.

Last year, the park replaced cabins along the lake with campsites.

"The 20 new lakeside campsites were incredibly popular in their inaugural year," Gerrone said.

He said the campsites are nearly fully booked for this summer.

Breakwater Beach at Geneva State Park is a large drawing card for visitors and area residents as well. The summer crowds are significant, but many people were already hanging out at the beach on Monday.