Planning for the reconstruction of the Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center in Linesville is "coming along," the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced Friday.

The new center will be located on Ford Island in the protected area of Pymatuning Reservoir where the original learning center was built in 1938.

The interior design will incorporate an "outdoor” theme with exposed timber and stone finishes. The entrance will face the north and be accessible to the parking lot nearby. The back of the building will overlook the Wildlife Management Area.

The new center will include an exhibit space that will showcase some of the Commonwealth’s species of birds and mammals, as well as a theater-themed auditorium, a classroom for individual lessons, and office space for staff.

Some attractions from the old center will be incorporated into the new building. The paved walking trail through the forested areas on Ford Island will also be part of the facility.

The previous learning center was demolished in 2014 after the antiquated building become increasingly costly to operate and maintain.

Plans to rebuild were on hold due to budget cuts but have now resumed.

The project is currently in the design phase. Contractors will bid on the work in summer of 2022. Construction is expected to be done in late 2023.