RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK -- Memorial Day weekend is here, the traditional kickoff to the summer season, and at Rickett's Glen State Park there's a lot of excitement going into this summer now that water has returned to the lake there.
Repairs to the dam had Lake Jean empty last summer. On Friday, the place was already busy.
The summer-like weather is back at Ricketts Glen State Park and so is the summertime splashing in Lake Jean.
"We're really lucky! We got to swim today!" said Wyalusing Valley seventh grader Madison Armitage.
Most of the swimmers on this day were Wyalusing Valley seventh graders on a field trip to the park and a swim felt good after a long hike.
"It was kind of cold but once you got in, it was all good," said seventh grader Mitchell Burke.
Lake Jean looked very different on Memorial Day weekend last year. It was drained so repairs could be done to the control tower.
Now that work is done and the lake has refilled.
"We had a nice rainy fall there and were able to get the lake back up and everything is ready to go," said park manager Ben Stone.
"We thought about coming last year, but then someone told us it was empty," said Erin Dunleavy of Jersey Shore.
A lot people missed the lake last year, whether they wanted to take a dip, bring the kids to play in the sand, try to catch some fish, or just relax by the water.
Park attendance was cut nearly in half last year.
"I'm thrilled that the lake's back," said Lori Haines of Forkston. "My husband and I drive up over the mountain, throw our fishing poles in the lake, do some kayaking."
There's a lot of excitement having the water back in Lake Jean, including those who have businesses that rely on the lake. They sure are thrilled to see the water.
"It was hard, very hard," said Robyn Smith of Sunny Side Marina. "I guess I could say I went into withdrawal."
Smith has all her boats back for rental at Sunny Side Marina.
Lines at the concession stand are back, too.
This park has a lot to offer; the lake is obviously a big part of it.
"Very excited, very excited," Smith said. "It's such a beautiful place to be, and it's great to have it back."
