Thousands of residents showed up at Tuscarora State Park to get a first-hand look at the new recreational site, which is scheduled to be dedicated over the Fourth of July weekend.

The 100-acre lake and its 1,500 acres of park land is being called one of the most outstanding public parks in the nation.

With the Locust Lake park taking shape upstream and covering another 1,143 acres, the two complexes will amount to a vast new playground which is expected to attract visitors from near and far in all seasons.

The park superintendent is Carl Schlentner, who said finishing touches to the facility include installation of picnic tables and other accessories.