COLUMBUS, OH -- The annual lake drawdown at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County will temporarily take waters to lower-than-normal levels so that workers can rehabilitate the park's three main boat ramps, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The drawdown begins today and will take the lake 7 feet lower than normal winter pool during October and November. The lake will return to normal winter levels about December 10.
"Short-term inconveniences will lead to much-improved recreational opportunities at Alum Creek State Park," said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. "We ask for patience from our visitors while we complete this important construction project."
Late-season boaters, anglers and duck hunters are urged to take special note of the temporary low-water levels when planning any outing. Some docks and boat launch areas may be unusable during the construction period.
About $260,000 in improvements are planned at the Cheshire, New Galena and Hollenback (Marina) boat launches. Those improvements include shoreline stabilization and dredging, concrete deck repairs to the ramps and installation of new floating ramp and courtesy docks. All repairs are expected to be complete by the start of the 2004 boating season. The ODNR divisions of Watercraft, Wildlife and Parks & Recreation are funding the project.