Park celebrates 50th anniversary

The Pocomoke River State Park is 50 years old this year and to celebrate the anniversary the park held a day long celebration Saturday.

The park opened in 1967 as Shad Landing State Park, merging with Milburn Landing State Park in 1972.

The 15,000-acre park was once abandoned farmland, but today nature has returned to the area with towering trees once again.

Visitors helped clear trash from the park for National Public Lands Day, learned about boating safety and wildfire prevention, enjoyed a day of fishing or hiking and learned more about the Pocomoke Indian Nation who once inhabited the land.

Families say the park has been a place many memories made over the years.

"They've shared wonderful memories of growing up in the park having family and company picnics here I met a couple whose son learned to ride his bike here at the park so we've definitely created 50 years of memories and we're looking forward to 50 more," said Park Manager Cineva Smith.

The celebration wrapped up with the opening of the parks new nature center.