Resolution allowing hunting near Beaver County park met with mixed reactions

BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — Signs that were posted in the wrong area of a Beaver County park had park-goers worried about their safety.

A sign making walkers aware that hunters will be allowed in Old Economy Park for a three-week span starting Wednesday was mistakenly put very close to a play area.

A Beaver County commissioner said the sign was put in the wrong place and the sign has been taken down.

The commissioner said they won't allow hunting on any walking trails, only heavily wooded areas.  He said new signs will be put in the correct areas this week, as well as "No Hunting" signs in the park.

Ricky Wagner was one of the walkers who said he was worried about the hunting.

“It’s scary that they would allow guns in the park, so close to the playground and walking trails,” Wagner said.

Wagner said he’s started an online petition to end the hunting law before it begins.

“This just isn’t right. Think of the kids and the adults. There are plenty of places to hunt, you don’t have to do it in a county park,” Wagner said.

Other walkers in the park told Channel 11’s Amy Marcinkiewicz that they’re not worried about hunters.

“I’m not worried at all because hunters know their boundaries. This is a big area and they’ll be far away from me,” one walker said.

Marcinkiewicz reported that to hunt in the park hunters must sign in and pay, so it brings in money to Beaver County. Officials said about 80 hunters have signed up so far.

WPXI