COLUMBUS, OH - State and local officials cut the ribbon today on improvements to the Burr Oak State Park Resort Lodge and Conference Center in Morgan County. The public was invited to tour the renovated lodge following the ceremony.

The 1.5 million dollar renovation project features major improvements to make the lodge more accessible to persons with disabilities, including a new three-stop elevator, modifications to four large guest rooms, and replacement of handrails and guardrails. Additional improvements include installation of a new fire alarm system, replacement of the lodge roof, and structural repairs in the pool area.

The lodge was closed temporarily at the outset of the elevator construction in December 2007, and reopened in March 2008 as work on the remainder of the project continued. All of the construction work was completed in June.

Burr Oak park visitors have enjoyed the impressive architecture and great lake views since the lodge first opened over 40 years ago, said Ohio State Parks Chief Dan West. Today's renovation project helps make this beautiful facility more functional for our guests with mobility impairments.

In conjunction with the grand re-opening, the lodge kicked off its annual Autumn Fest event. Activities and attractions offered through the weekend include a craft fair and farmers' market, musical performances, and pontoon boat tours of the lake.