Nesbitt Park Access Area Rehabilitation Project

In 2009, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) partnered with Luzerne County to improve the existing Nesbitt Park boat launch facility into a modern public recreational fishing and boating facility that provides access to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River in Wilkes Barre, PA.  Before construction, Nesbitt Park consisted of mixed parcels of open lawns, wooded areas, a dirt and gravel access road, a deteriorated boat launch ramp and no dedicated parking area.  The County completely revitalized Nesbitt Park.  The boat launch facility now has a two lane concrete boat launch ramp, a canoe/kayak launch ramp, a paved parking area and access road, an overflow parking area, rain gardens, new signs and kiosks, site furniture and is ADA accessible.  The total cost for all of the improvements was $777,000.  The PFBC provided financial support through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program in the amount of $275,000.  Luzerne County indicates that use by anglers and boaters has significantly increased since the project was complete in 2010.  This modern facility provides a key access point on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail, a designated National Recreational Trail and Chesapeake Bay Gateway site.