A beloved Mercer County environmental learning center will soon see new life after closing its doors five years ago.

McKeever Environmental Learning Center in Sandy Lake plans to reopen later this year as a new-and-improved facility.

The learning center has made an impact on thousands of Mercer County youth and residents for several decades before its closure in 2017. Senator Michele Brooks tells 21 News that it's exciting to reopen the facility for future generations to enjoy.

"McKeever is going to be open once again to school groups, as well as tourists [and] people who love the outdoors, the trail system is going to be reopened," Senator Brooks said.

In addition to educational opportunities, school and forest landowner programs and revamped hiking trails, McKeever will be seeing some new upgrades like new buildings and expanded parking.

"We're gonna invest in the trails system. We may reroute some trails, create some new trails, clean up some of the other areas of the property, the site where the buildings are we're gonna renovate," said Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Forest Assistant District Manager, Jake Scheib.

Additional upgrades include handicapped accessible trails, fire and search rescue training and a new auditorium. 

Officials say this will economically benefit the area by attracting visitors outside of the area.

The facility plans to complete the updates in Spring of 2023.