It is a part of the county's 12,000-acre (49 km2) network of nine distinct parks.

The park is sited 15 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh in Frazer and West Deer townships.

The lakes are spring fed, and construction of dams and settling basins create a park ideal for fishing.

Allegheny County is currently evaluating proposals to lease natural gas rights for high volume hydraulic fracturing.

County residents have expressed worry concerning the potential dangers of leasing a public park for an industrial purpose, citing an increase in truck traffic, air pollution, water pollution, decreased property value, and potential for catastrophic events, (e.g., an explosion), as possible hazards.