Bring Lake LeBoeuf Back to Life
Last Year, You Helped Us Begin. This Year, Help Us Take the Next Step.
At Waterford Economic Community Action Network (W.E.C.A.N.), we believe in the power of community. Our mission is simple but bold: to create a community where families and businesses are empowered to thrive in a small-town setting. We collaborate with local governments and community partners to improve access to art & culture, health & wellness, parks & recreation, and economic opportunity throughout the Fort LeBoeuf region.
Last year, our incredible community stepped up through Erie Gives, donating more than $6,000 to support the revitalization of Lake LeBoeuf.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity—and even more grateful for your trust.
We made a commitment to be good stewards of every dollar you entrusted to us. Rather than rushing into projects without a long-term strategy, we have focused on laying the groundwork necessary to ensure every future investment has the greatest possible impact.
Building the Foundation
Since last year's Erie Gives, WECAN established the Lake LeBoeuf Steering Committee, bringing together representatives from WECAN, Waterford Borough, Waterford Township, residential and business property owners surrounding the lake, recreational users, and local, state, and federal environmental specialists.
Together, this dedicated group is developing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will be distributed to qualified landscape architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms.
The selected consultant will work alongside our community to develop a comprehensive environmental and recreational master plan—one that balances recreation, environmental stewardship, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
Our Roadmap for Revitalization
Transforming Lake LeBoeuf won't happen overnight, but we have a clear path forward.
Phase One: Develop the Master Plan (Our Erie Gives 2026 Goal)
Our immediate priority is hiring an experienced consultant to help develop a professional master plan for Lake LeBoeuf. This plan will identify opportunities for recreation, environmental restoration, accessibility improvements, public amenities, and future development while incorporating community input every step of the way.
This is the critical first step that turns ideas into an actionable plan.
Phase Two: Secure Major Grant Funding
Once the master plan is complete, WECAN and our partners will use it to pursue state, federal, and private grant opportunities that can fund future improvements. Many of these grant programs require a professionally developed master plan before funding can be awarded.
Your support today helps unlock significantly larger investments tomorrow.
Phase Three: Bring the Vision to Life
With a master plan in hand and grant funding secured, we can begin implementing projects identified by the community and our planning team. Potential future improvements could include:
• Expanded public access to the lake
• Kayak and canoe amenities
• Walking paths and recreational features
• Gathering spaces and pavilions
• Improved accessibility for visitors of all abilities
• Environmental restoration projects
• Additional amenities shaped by community input
Each phase builds upon the last, ensuring that every improvement is thoughtful, sustainable, and designed to benefit generations to come.
How Your Gift Helps
The funds donated during last year's Erie Gives campaign have been carefully reserved to help launch this important planning process.
Now we need your help to complete Phase One.
Your Erie Gives donation will help WECAN hire the experienced professionals needed to develop Lake LeBoeuf's Master Plan and position our community to compete successfully for the larger grants that will bring this vision to life.
Every Erie Gives donation goes even further. WECAN receives 100% of your gift, plus a prorated match from the Erie Community Foundation's Bonus Bucks pool, increasing the impact of every dollar donated.
Help Bring Lake LeBoeuf Back to Life
For generations, Lake LeBoeuf has been part of Waterford's story. Many of us remember fishing from its shores, paddling across its waters, skating in the winter, watching wildlife, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty that makes this place so special.
Now we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure future generations can create those same memories.
Together, we can transform Lake LeBoeuf into a vibrant, healthy, accessible destination that strengthens our community, supports recreation, protects our natural resources, and welcomes residents and visitors year-round.
Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping us build a lasting legacy for Waterford.
#TogetherWeCan
Your Waterford Economic Community Action Network (WECAN) Team