Welcome to
Darlington Township

  Return To Darlington Lake Swimming Park  

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The Darlington Lake we know today is a transformation of what was once a dammed portion of the Little Beaver River. The man made lake was built and today this section was added in the 1960’s away from the creek then.

The man made lake in its current form was established in the early 1960s.

Historical photographs of Darlington Lake Park, generously provided to LBHS by Jane Estermyer Hybarger, highlight the contributions of her great-grandparents who played a pivotal role in the park's development.

Located in Darlington, PA, Darlington Lake has origins dating back to the early 1920s when a dam was constructed on the North Fork of the Little Beaver River, creating a swimming area.

This spot quickly became a favored summer retreat, morphing into Darlington Lake Park, which featured a beach, a diving platform, and a dance hall. However, by the late 1940s, the park began to change as cottages were sold to veterans and others, leading to the formation of the Darlington Lake Association.

The park's allure diminished in the 1950s, resulting in the closure of many recreational facilities. Ultimately, in the early 1960s, a new, landlocked lake was created further inland from the original river area.

Darlington Lake is a treasure trove of memories for countless individuals, and I, too, hold dear recollections of this beloved spot.

Growing up in Beaver County, summer days meant one thing: a trip to Darlington Lake for some swimming all day fun.

On sweltering summer afternoons, Darlington Lake was the ultimate destination.

It featured two towering waterslides, each 20 feet high, alongside a smaller slide.

There was also a floating raft island where visitors could swim out, lounge on the platform, or take exhilarating dives from the two diving boards stationed there.

Additionally, the lake's deep end boasted two low diving boards and a high diving board, perfect for thrill-seekers.

The sandy beach offered a lovely spot to relax, with grassy areas nearby, and a food stand that was always buzzing with activity.

Every summer, my cousin would drive me and my friends to the lake, a journey that felt interminable at the time, but the return trip always seemed quick after a full day of aquatic adventures.

Upon arrival, we eagerly parked in a field where attendants helped manage the quickly filling up spaces.

Our first order of business was to claim a patch of ground for our towels or blankets, where we could bask in the sun. Soon, we'd dive into the water for about an hour before the call of the food stand beckoned us.

My go-to snack was a cup of their hand-cut French fries, which I loved to smother in ketchup and “vinegar”—a peculiar habit, as I only ever did that at Darlington Lake.

The history of Darlington and its lake is rich and has played a significant role in the growth of our county, attracting thousands to this town over the years.

Today, the lake has transformed into "The Gathering Place," a venue for weddings, receptions, and various special events, continuing to create memories for every visitors amidst its beautiful surroundings.

During the summer, the venue often hosts bands on evenings that played under the lights, drawing crowds for both live music and night swimming, as many would just come to enjoy their favorite tunes.

These cherished memories serve as a quick history lesson, reflecting the joy of those hot summer days gone by.

Darlington Lake in Darlington, PA, has a history rooted in the early 1920s when a dam was built on the North Fork of the Little Beaver River to create a swimming hole.

This area evolved into a popular summer resort known as Darlington Lake Park, with amenities like a beach, diving platform, and dance hall.

In the late 1940s, the park saw a shift as cottages were sold to veterans and others, forming the Darlington Lake Association.

The park's popularity declined in the 1950s, leading to the closure of many non-swimming activities. In the early 1960s, a new look of a landlocked lake was “created inland from the original river section”.

A quick flash back to Darlington Lake in the 70’s that thousands went to swim, that had high and low sliding boards, high and low diving boards and a diving raft that you had to swim out to get to.

It had a sand beach or grass area and the best french fries.

Music blasting from speakers, sometimes in the 70’s & 80’s they had Beach Parties with live bands in the evenings with night swimming up to the 90’s and throughout the many past years!