Upgrades completed at Alum Creek boat ramp

0

The Howard Road boat ramp at Alum Creek State Park recently reopened last month with improvements, including a new canoe/kayak launch and a new restroom with facilities now offering accessibility options to park visitors.

The improvements were prioritized due to the survey results received by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The new paddling dock and launch ramp provides a much easier and safer way for paddlers to get underway and also remove their vessels from the water. The ease of use this dock provides is especially helpful for families with younger children and beginning paddlers.

The canoe/kayak launch was completed in late August. While fishing is prohibited from the new launch, the ramp will provide access for hand-powered vessels where access was previously only available from a courtesy dock. The launch is also 100 percent compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Modern restrooms were also among the recommendations of survey respondents statewide. Demolition of the existing restroom began in early August and was replaced with a low-maintenance prefabricated concrete restroom. The new restroom is also 100 percent compliant with ADA standards and offers single occupant men’s and single occupant women’s bathrooms.

The project was funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund. The fund is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The ODNR Division of Watercraft is responsible for boating safety, education and law enforcement on all waters of the state. This statewide area includes the nearshore area along 451 miles of the Ohio River, approximately half the entire surface area of Lake Erie, more than 605 inland lakes and more than 60,000 miles of inland streams, rivers and other waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

No posts to display