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The state controlling board approved $900,000 for pre-construction and $250,000 in design services for Buck Creek. Parks like Buck Creek were overdue for upgrades, said Ohio Department of Natural Resources Public Information Officer Eric Heis.
“Yes, they’re free to visit but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to upgrade them and make them nice for our visitors,” Heis said.
Some of the improvements coming to Buck Creek include new furniture and appliances. Heis also said the Department of Forestry used all Ohio trees for the walls, for a more “rustic” look, according to Heis. Campground water lines and a new, automated water booster station will also be added.
Vice President of Destination Marketing in Springfield Chris Shutte said the renovations to Buck Creek can have a great impact on the area’s economy.
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“Having recently toured the upgraded cabins at Buck Creek State Park, I left with renewed excitement at what these unique accommodations can do for our area,” Schutte said. “The park itself is one of our region’s greatest assets, and the upgraded cabins will lead to more overnight stays, longer stays and greater economic impact.”
Four cabins at Buck Creek received similar upgrades last year. The park has 26 cabins.
Ohio State Parks received $88.5 million for capital improvements to infrastructure and to modernize facilities in the previous capital budget. An additional $38 million from the current capital budget was awarded to the state parks for similar work.
Cowan Lake State Park in Clinton County, Pymatuning State Park in Ashtabula County, Pike Lake State Park in Pike County and Dillon State Park in Muskingum County are also due for upgrades, accordng to ODNR.
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