Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Phillip Schmidt as manager of Tyler State Park. Schmidt is the former manager at Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County.
“A Philadelphia native who has served in several capacities in southeastern Pennsylvania, Phillip brings a love of the outdoors to the Bucks County area he knows so well,” said Dunn. “His attitude and breadth of experience can only benefit Tyler State Park and those who visit.”
As new manager at Tyler, Schmidt oversees 1,711 acres divided into sections by the Neshaminy Creek. The state park offers hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Picnic areas have tables, restrooms and drinking water. The park also provides environmental education and interpretive programs exploring a variety of ecological and historic topics.
“I grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, and we often visited places like Pennypack Park, Neshaminy State Park and Tyler State Park so we could hike, fish and look for wildlife,: Schmidt said. “I feel Tyler is a priceless piece of public greenspace in an area affected by ever-reaching urban sprawl. It brings me back to my childhood, and I love the diversity of people taking advantage of the outdoors here.”
Schmidt succeeds Cory Snyder, who was transferred to Linn Run State Park in Westmoreland County.
The new manager began his Bureau of State Parks career working as a laborer at Neshaminy State Park, later serving as a ranger there. After entering the Bureau of State Park’s Region 1 manager trainee program, he served as assistant park manager at Codorus State Park in York County, and manager at Ridley Creek.
A native of the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia, Schmidt, 39, holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from the Pennsylvania State University.
He and his fiancee are scheduled to be married in November 2020.
For more information on Tyler State Park, call 1-888-PA-PARKS, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or visit here.
