COLUMBUS, OH - A planned $2.6 million improvement project at West Branch State Park in Portage County will close the park's campground for the entire 2001 camping season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Campers will be directed to accommodations at nearby state parks and private campgrounds during the construction period.
"West Branch State Park campground is a popular recreational facility that draws almost 40,000 campers each year," said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. "The planned improvements represent a considerable investment in the park - one that is well warranted."
The campground was completed in 1966 and has not undergone a major upgrade since that time. ODNR's decision to undertake the current project was based on camper feedback, the proximity of the park to major highways and the number of cross-country campers using the campground facilities.
The 2001 work represents the first phase of a four-phase project to modernize and expand the campground. West Branch State Park is located north of Interstate 76 and south of State Route 5 on the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The 103-site campground sits on a peninsula on the north side of the park, just off Rock Spring Road.
The improvements will begin in late April and include construction of two new shower houses (including one heated shower house) with flush toilets to serve existing campsites, new drinking fountains throughout the campground, and a new dual sanitary dump station for trailers. All phase-one work is scheduled for completion in November 2001.
Other improvements designated over the four-year project include replacing the road leading into the campground as well as repaving of all roads and campsites. Campers will also see the eventual addition of 100 new campsites, electrical service to all existing campsites and addition of a campground commissary.
Campground managers at nearby Mosquito Lake State Park in Trumbull County, Punderson State Park in Geauga County, Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County and Findley State Park in Lorain County are prepared to welcome campers diverted from the West Branch facility during the 2001 camping season. The campground at Pymatuning State Park in Ashtabula County will also welcome spillover campers until August 6 when it too will close for improvements.
For additional information, contact John Wilder or Mike Blakeman at the West Branch State Park office at (330) 296-3239.
For Further Information Contact:
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
-or-
Jean Backs, Ohio State Parks
(614) 265-7077