County advances Dark Skies Park master plan; officials hope park will spur tourism

Commissioner Zucal reported April 18 that Lardner and Klein are leading a master site plan for the county's Dark Skies Park and are collecting input from involved groups. The project is intended to support tourism and economic activity by encouraging lodging and camping near the viewing area, and the county is coordinating with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on the plan.

Zucal said the viewing-area gate is currently open and that the county will add directional and parking signage as weather permits. He described the park as a potential economic driver and said organizers hope entrepreneurs will add lodging and camping options.

The minutes note earlier meetings with stakeholders and ongoing sign placement; no funding vote specific to the Dark Skies Park was recorded at this meeting.