COLUMBUS, OH - Governor Bob Taft cut the ribbon today, dedicating a new Campground Welcome Center at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The dedication marked a significant milestone in the Taft Administration's $8,700,000 commitment to the Hocking Hills Region.
"Hocking Hills State Park, along with nearby Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve and Hocking State Forest are among Ohio's premier outdoor recreation destinations," Taft said. "More than 2,000,000 visitors come to this region each year to camp, hike, fish, picnic, ride horseback or bike, and enjoy the spectacular scenery."
The new 2,700 square-foot Campground Welcome Center was built at a cost of $1.9 million and encompasses a check-in station, a camp store and an office for park staff. Construction was financed through a state NatureWorks grant.
Since 1999, the Taft Administration has undertaken several projects to enhance the region's growing tourism industry. In addition to the new campground welcome center, the administration has acquired an additional 559 acres at Hocking State Forest and a strategic 10 acres at the head of the Old Man's Cave Gorge in Hocking State Park.
A $4.1 million project to restore trails and bridges damaged by a 1998 flash flood was completed in 2002 at the park. An additional $400,000 in improvements continues at the Old Man's Cave visitor center, while another $437,000 is providing trail system upgrades at Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve.
Last fall, workers reconfigured the park's campground entrance to accommodate larger recreational vehicles and allow more room for campers waiting to check in. They also upgraded primary electrical service in the 172-site campground and made additional trail improvements.
Camping and tourism is a $153 million business in Hocking County - one that supports more than 3,500 jobs and $45 million in payroll. Camping contributes nearly $790,000,000 to Ohio's economy each year and is a significant factor in the state's general travel and tourism industry.