Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director James Zehringer Friday announced several capital improvement projects for Mt. Gilead State Park. Since the capital budget was announced, Director Zehringer has traveled across the state sharing with Ohioans about the projects planned at many Ohio State Parks.
“Mt. Gilead State Park is a gem for the Morrow County community, and we appreciate the support of the volunteers who work tirelessly to support this park,” said Zehringer. “With this unprecedented $88.5 million capital improvement investment, we have the opportunity to make substantial improvements and improve the experience of everyone that chooses to visit our Ohio State Parks.
Upcoming capital improvements will include:
- Building a new washhouse, which will include flush restrooms, showers and laundry facilities
- Adding full hookup campsites
- Improving the playground equipment
- Completing the disc golf course (e.g., signage, benches)
- Repairing the Mt. Gilead dam
- Clearing the path to the lake and removing fallen trees
- Renovating the aging trail infrastructure
- Increasing trail signage throughout the park
The Ohio State Parks capital improvement projects, and others like them around the state, are made possible through the support of Governor John Kasich, Senate President Keith Faber and the Ohio General Assembly. Ohio State Parks received an unprecedented $88.5 million for capital improvements to strengthen the infrastructure and modernize facilities in the most recent capital budget.
To assist in identifying key projects, ODNR launched a website to allow people to submit their ideas for improvements within the Ohio State Parks system. By visiting parks.ohiodnr.gov/improvements, people can fill out a survey to suggest improvements at their favorite state park. To date, the department has received more than 5,000 completed surveys. Ohioans are encouraged to continue to fill out these surveys and share their feedback as they visit Ohio’s 74 state parks this summer.
Ohio is one of only seven states in the nation where admission to state parks is free. Last year, 2.3 million people spent at least one night in an Ohio State Park campground, cottage, cabin or lodge. By continuing to improve our state parks system, Zehringer said they have the opportunity to showcase facilities and draw more tourism dollars into Ohio.
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