MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — It's no secret how this park got its name in Smithfield Township near Marshalls Creek. People who live here have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Marshalls Falls Park.
"We would drive by here all the time, and I'd be like, okay, when? I'm excited for it; everyone is because it is local," said Carol Shanahan of Stroudsburg.
The opening of the park has been years in the making.
The township purchased the land back in 2008, just off of Marshalls Creek Road. Work to install an access trail and boardwalk crossing to the falls started in 2023.
"It's amazing, it's a beautiful place so you can come and relax," said Jeannia Silva of Smithfield Township.
Visitors tell Newswatch 16 they've never experienced Marshalls Creek like this before.
"It's beautiful, it's so beautiful it really is, they did a great job," said Shanahan
Others say they stumbled upon this hidden gem.
"We accidentally came onto this, and we checked it out. It's our first time here," said Siggi of Bushkill.
"This is the best thing; this is a gift. This is a gift for having a gift for nature, and I hope we save it and keep it like this," said Silva.
People exploring the new park tell Newswatch 16, Earth Day was the perfect day to come enjoy nature.
Take some time and walk around to see what's going on. Things are starting to get green, looks good," said Siggi.
"I want a safe place just to go and wander and be at peace and live in my moment so that is what I am doing," said Shanahan.
The township plans to expand the trails in the park in future phases.