You Won't Believe What Just Opened at Lakewood Park: A Bar with Live Music and Shocking Secrets!

A cherished landmark in Schuylkill County has taken a significant leap forward with the grand opening of a lakeside bar and an outdoor entertainment stage and pavilion at Lakewood Park Campground. The festivities kicked off on Friday, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony organized by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, signaling a bright new chapter for this historic site located in the Barnesville section of Ryan Township.

This summer, Lakewood Park is set to enhance its offerings with the addition of 17 new campsites for tents, RVs, and campers, which will increase its total to 135 sites. Additionally, the campground will welcome two more cabins, bringing the total to 17. Andrew Roth, who co-owns the campground with his father, Buck Roth, noted these improvements as part of a broader effort to revitalize the park.

“We are all excited to see the continued progress from the Roth family as they continue to grow Lakewood Park back into an entertainment and recreational hub for the community,”

said Tony Merchlinsky, the member relations and marketing director for the chamber. He expressed optimism that the newly opened bar will draw visitors from across Schuylkill County and beyond, showcasing the innovative use of the space.

Lakewood Park spans 63 acres and features a 10-acre lake suited for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boating. It is also home to a playground and hosts various weekend activities, making it a community favorite. The campground's rich history dates back to the early 1900s when it served as a nature retreat for local coal miners and their families. Over the decades, it transformed into a bustling destination, boasting a 150-yard cement pool, an amusement park, and a grand ballroom. It was once a venue for big band dances, ethnic celebrations, festivals, summer stock plays, and even performances by celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Doris Day.

After closing its doors in 1984, the site remained dormant until the Roth family purchased Lakewood in 2017, aiming to rekindle its allure. They began by opening the campground and have steadily expanded its features since. Notably, the Catalpa Grove wedding hall was completed in 2019, built by the creek where Kiddie Land amusement park once thrived. This hall hosts over 80 events annually, including the popular Lithuanian Festival.

Last year, the Lakewood Park Cafe and Bar was introduced, offering food, draft beers, and alcoholic slushies on Fridays and Saturdays. With the recent opening of the outdoor bar, service will extend to Thursdays starting May 14. Both facilities are accessible to campers and the general public, promoting a sense of community engagement.

The outdoor stage will host entertainment several times a month, beginning in May, with bands already scheduled for performances on May 9, 14, and 28. The cafe menu includes a variety of items such as flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, Hershey’s ice cream, and an assortment of beverages including coffee, espresso, lattes, and boba teas.

While the campground primarily operates from April through October, the cafe remains open year-round, ensuring that visitors can enjoy its offerings no matter the season. Detailed hours and menus can be found on Lakewood’s website, providing easy access for potential visitors seeking a taste of this revitalized community hub.

The ongoing enhancements at Lakewood Park signify a commitment to not only preserving its historical significance but also adapting to the needs of modern visitors. With its blend of recreational activities, entertainment options, and community-oriented services, Lakewood Park continues to evolve, aiming to recapture the essence of a beloved destination for generations to come.