In 2013, a Master Plan was approved by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Board of Directors which consisted of multiple phases of campground and marina improvements scheduled to take place over 10 years and designed to improve outdated and inefficient facilities built more than 50 years ago.
The MWCD worked with the planning firm of Woolpert Inc. of Dayton, OH, to develop the two-phase master plan that supports the MWCD’s mission of flood reduction, conservation and recreation.
Phase one of the Master Plan totaled more than $120 million and included projects to update facilities with more efficient buildings through environmentally conscience designs, to protect the resources millions of visitors enjoy each year. Phase two is planned to add amenities and expand facilities into areas not currently part of MWCD parks operations adding significant recreational value to the parks.
On July 19, 2019 the Board of Directors approved a $65M plan with a funding distribution of approximately $45M for park improvements, and $20M for marina improvements. Phase Two of the plan expands the program to include Clendening Marina and Campground, Leesville North Fork Marina, Leesville South Fork Campground, and Tappan Marina which have all been acquired since the inception of the Master Plan. The implementation strategy for the Marinas in Phase 2 is to focus on infrastructure first, followed by camping and waterfront improvements.
The MWCD staff currently is working on prioritizing the overall needs and an annual master plan budget and project list will be approved annually. Scheduled projects and priorities may change and or be extended over longer periods of time.
Click here to view the Master Plan