The summer rain nearly washed out the swimming season at Chestnut Run Swim Beach, but county officials have hopes for sunnier days ahead.

The beach on Shenango River Lake in South Pymatuning and Pymatuning townships was open only 27 days all summer. It opened May 25, but closed for the season July 21 because of flooding, said Melissa Koch, recreation specialist for Mercer County Regional Council of Governments, which runs the swimming area.

Normally, the beach is open 91 days, she said.

County and COG officials are negotiating with the federal government for continued use of the beach, which is owned by the U.S. government. The county obtains a lease and subleases the ground to COG.

The 25-year lease expired in March and the federal government granted a month-to-month extension while a new lease is negotiated.

County Commissioner Cloyd "Gene" Brenneman, who also is COG chairman, encouraged negotiators to complete discussions this year.