Marsh Creek (Brandywine Creek)

Marsh Creek State Park
Pennsylvania State Park
Looking across Marsh Creek Lake towards the West Launch Area
Named for: Marsh Creek
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Chester
Townships	Upper Uwchlan, Wallace
Location
- elevation	459 ft (140 m)
- coordinates	40°04′06″N 75°43′59″W / 40.06833°N 75.73306°W / 40.06833; -75.73306Coordinates: 40°04′06″N 75°43′59″W / 40.06833°N 75.73306°W / 40.06833; -75.73306
Area	1,705 acres (690 ha)
Founded	1974
Management	Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
IUCN category	III - Natural Monument
Location of Marsh Creek State Park in Pennsylvania
Website: Marsh Creek State Park

Marsh Creek State Park is a 1,705 acres (690 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Upper Uwchlan and Wallace Townships, Chester County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is the location of the 535-acre (217 ha) man-made Marsh Creek Lake. With an average depth of 40 feet (73 feet at its deepest), the lake is stocked with fish and is a stop for migrating waterfowl. Marsh Creek State Park is 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Eagle on Pennsylvania Route 100. Park road hours 8:00 am until sunset. All other access open 24 hours.

Formation of Marsh Creek Lake was designed to address several water related problems in the region. First, to provide additional drinking water for the Chester County Water Resources Authority, alleviating a previous shortage. Second, to limit potential damage caused by seasonal flooding in the area. Finally, to provide a recreation area for residents throughout the region.

The state of Pennsylvania acquired the land that became Marsh Creek State Park between 1964 and 1978. Residents in the area were relocated including those residing in the farming village of Milford Mills, the site of which was eventually inundated. From 1970-1973 construction cleared the valley of trees, structures and other obstacles. Following completion of the dam, the lake filled over the course of three years. The Larkin Covered Bridge was removed from its previous location to park property in 1972.

Upon completion of the reservoir, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the land surrounding Marsh Creek Lake, constructed recreational facilities, and opened the land to the public. New facilities built from 1971 to 1979 included administrative and picnic areas, a playground, pool, and wells. The park opened for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice sports and sailing in 1974; and the pool and day-use area opened in July 1979.