GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE, OH - Ohio's ninth and newest state park lodge, which offers beautiful views of Lake Erie, 109 guest rooms, and a full-service restaurant, celebrated its grand opening today at Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The $16.7 million, Ashtabula County-financed facility is the first state park lodge in Ohio to be constructed and managed with local funds on state-owned parkland. During the celebration, Governor Bob Taft hailed the state and local partnership as a promising prototype for funding major improvements at other state parks in Ohio.
"Today's grand opening marks an exciting day for Ohio because it represents an important new way of doing business," Taft said. "With this unique state and local partnership, Ashtabula County gains a family-oriented lodge and regional conference center, while Ohio enjoys a new attraction and a fine addition to its state park system." Construction of the lodge began in Spring 2003 and was funded entirely with bonds issued by Ashtabula County. The county owns and operates the lodge, while the state is marketing the lodge as part of its park resort system. Ashtabula County's lease runs until January 2040, when the facility will revert to state ownership.
Visitors to the lodge are greeted in the lobby by a four-story stone fireplace, while guests in the 150-seat octagonal dining room enjoy panoramic views of Lake Erie. An indoor pool and hot tub, both with lake views, and exercise facilities also are on-site. The lodge also has a wine tasting room that offers samplings from 19 local wineries. Guest rooms and suites are available with king or double beds as well as family-style rooms with bunk beds for children. Each room is equipped with a telephone and data port, satellite television with movies, and an iron and ironing board.
Golfing, wine tours, sailing, fishing, and picturesque covered bridges are nearby, as well as a marina and beach. Historic Geneva-On-The-Lake is less than a mile away with water activities, arcades, amusement rides and nightclubs.
The lodge's conference center offers 8,000 square feet of meeting space, while the lodge's ballroom can accommodate seating for up to 350 people.
"We've had an overwhelming response for both conference center and guest room reservations," said lodge manager Jeannette Petrolia. "Several dozen meetings and events, including more than 20 weddings, have been booked for 2004 and beyond."
The state's first lodge at Punderson State Park opened in 1956 and eight others followed, including the most recent at Maumee Bay State Park and Geneva State Park. Like all Ohio State Parks lodges, the Geneva facility is managed by a professional hospitality firm - in this case, Delaware North Parks Services, based in Buffalo, New York. Delaware North currently operates Deer Creek State Park Lodge in Pickaway County for ODNR. Other Ohio State Park lodges are located at: Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County), Shawnee State Park (Scioto County), Punderson State Park (Geauga County), Hueston Woods State Park (Preble County), Maumee Bay State Park (Lucas County), Mohican State Park (Ashland County) and Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County). To reserve a room at the Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park, call 800-801-9982 or visit www.thelodgeatgeneva.com