OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz announced several projects this week aimed at improving state parks and improving conservation efforts. 

What You Need To Know

  • Part of the projects include state park lodging upgrades for Deer Creek and Mohican State Park

  • There will be six playground replacements

  • The state will also put in an ADA-compliant trial at Chaparral State Nature Preserve

“The popularity of our state parks and other state recreation facilities in Ohio has been unprecedented in recent years,” said DeWine in a press release. “Ohio has unparalleled outdoor spaces, and these new investments will give visitors an even better experience overall.”

Part of the projects include state park lodging upgrades for Deer Creek and Mohican State Park.

There will also be playground replacements at six parks. There will be a new playground at Rocky Fork State Park designed with Disabilities Act (ADA) components to make it more accessible. Others receiving replacements are Mosquito Lake, Barkcamp, Deer Creek, Great Seal, and Harrison Lake state parks.

The state also aims to make nature more accessible in general, and plans to install an ADA-compliant path at Chaparral State Nature Preserve on the on the Blazing Star Trail. 

ODNR wants to extend its reach of protected land, so its getting an additional 1.33 acres of the Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve, allowing officials to control invasive species. The Division of Forestry will also purchase nearly 28 acres of land near the Maumee State Forest to keep the property healthy and safe. 

“With every upgrade we make, we hope to improve the visitor experience at our state parks, forests and nature preserves,” Mertz said.  “With this new funding, we’ll be able to upgrade equipment, lodging, and make changes that grant more people to access these beautiful places.”