Maurice K. Goddard State Park in Mercer County centers on Lake Wilhelm, a reservoir created in 1971 on Sandy Creek after decades of concern over flooding and long-delayed flood-control plans. Land was acquired in the late 1960s, and the park opened in 1972. Sandy Creek also appears in earlier history through George Washington’s 1753 journey to Fort LeBoeuf. The park honors Maurice K. Goddard, a Pennsylvania forestry and parks leader whose work greatly expanded the state park system. Today it is a major recreation and wildlife area known for fishing, boating, birdwatching, hunting, winter activities, and its active role as a community destination.