Ligonier Township officials are awaiting a safety report before making further decisions about the future of Ligonier Beach, a nearly 9-acre property that has remained largely unused since the township purchased it in 2019.

Chuck Baker, director of safety management services for Inservco Insurance Services, conducted a three-hour walkthrough of the property Thursday with township officials. Baker said the site has several conditions that must be addressed before it can operate as a safe public park, including exposed pipes near the former filtration house and the lack of electricity.

Baker expects to complete his report within three weeks. Township supervisors John Beaufort, Wade Stoner and Dan Resenic said they will wait for the findings before determining the next steps.

The township opened the property to the public in April but closed it again in July after residents raised safety concerns. Neighbors John and Gail Hugo pointed to exposed pipes and the deteriorating stone restroom building, where a sagging roof could pose a risk if someone entered despite caution tape.

Baker said the restroom building is not automatically hazardous while it remains closed off, but it would need improvements before it could be used. He suggested a phased reopening could be possible if the township fences or ropes off hazardous areas while allowing public access to safer sections.

Resenic said many concerns are concentrated around the pavilion, meaning a limited reopening might leave visitors with only a grassy area. Stoner said supervisors may discuss that option but should first review Baker’s complete report.

Baker plans to consider engineering reports, public feedback, news coverage, costs and regulations in preparing his assessment. He said the township likely can maintain insurance coverage if it remediates identified hazards.

Beaufort said the walkthrough was productive and that the property will probably remain closed until supervisors are satisfied it is safe. He also said no asbestos was found during the inspection.

Township leaders continue to explore improvements, including preparing the pavilion for use, but no reopening timetable has been set.