As a kid, I spent a fair amount of time at the state parks in our region. I have great memories of swimming in the lakes at Moraine, Keystone or Laurel Hill, then picnic dinners and short hikes before sleepy drives home. For many years, our big family vacation involved driving two hours or so north to spend a few days at the Presque Isle beaches. As a much bigger kid, I now fully appreciate our free access to these beautiful lands.