Ernst will polish one of the gems of Pendleton County

    Over past decade, Sebastian Ernst has been a vocal leader of Falmouth while renovating homes throughout the county and dilitipated buildings in the downtown Falmouth area.
    It is those skills that he will bring to Kincaid Lake State Park as the new park manager.
    “Kincaid Lake State Park is one of the gems in this county,” said Ernst who added, “It is the little things that can make a big change.” He noted landscaping, painting and fixing buildings as a prime short-term issue he wishes to address.
    “I want improve the overall presence and aesthetics to attract people to come to the park,” he said.
    It was his background in maintenance and remodeling to fix the place that the state told him was the focus they wanted him to have at the start.
    “Where they have had to bid these projects out in the past, I can do them,” said Ernst.
    Remodeling will not be the only focus for Ernst in this first year on the job. He wants to see activities increase that will draw Pendleton County residents to the park while providing activities for the money-maker of the park, campers in the campground.
    “We need to spruce up the recreation area with new carpets on the putt-putt course,” Ernst gave as an example.
    Other projects would have a caveat.
    “There is a chain of command that I will have to respect,” he answered while adding that he wants something that will be open to the public and free and for families with small children.
    Another area that Ernst wants to focus on is expanding that revenue base by expanding the campground with more primitive and campsites for recreational vehicles. The campgrounds are already open and have been accepting campers.
    The pool will be open on Memorial Day weekend but presently will be operating on limited capacity.
    The park will be expanding and fixing up the boat dock with kayaks and canoes for rental.     Other longer term goals for Ernst is to rebuild the amphitheater which would allow weddings and concerts to be held as well as host events like a car show, 4th of July spectacular and continue to host their Halloween event.
    One thing that will not be happening is Ernst living at the park. While the past directors have lived at the park, Ernst will continue to serve on Falmouth City Council by not moving from his Falmouth home.
    The park is looking for a new park ranger and Ernst thought that either the park ranger or the maintenance supervisor might end up living in the house located at the beginning of the park.
    One thing is clear, the passion that Ernst has shown for over the past decade, he will be using to polish up and expanding one of the biggest attractions in Pendleton County.