The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District continues to plan for the future by providing more amenities.
Executive Director Craig Butler says their overall master plan was approved through 2030. The board agreed to invest $350 million to expand, upgrade, or add to all eight parks.
“We’ve got plans to do expansion at Tappan for addition and renovating campgrounds. We’re planning to build some additional camping type activities. Small teardrop and sprinter campers don’t like being near big campers so we’re developing something similar to a primitive campground but for those.”
They’re also working on a canopy collection project at Atwood Lake Park.
“We’re developing a series of tree houses. They’re going to look over the water. They’re going to be elevated platform homes that are actually 50 to 70 feet off the ground. In 2027 we will cut the ribbon and open these up. Really have a different experience.”
Communications Director Adria Bergeron says MWCD also has a 20-year plan to put in 300-miles of trail systems, which will include hiking, biking, and equestrian.
“We know that’s important and so we’ve prioritized those and are chipping away and making lots of great strides. We have multi surface trails so anybody can get out and enjoy them whether you’re coming with a stroller, or you want to go running on a natural surface trail. We have everything in between.”
At Atwood MWCD is trying to build a trail system that is the circumference of the lake using existing trails so that people can have about a 30-mile trail around the lake.
Recent expansions include the Quarry Trail at Clendening Lake and a paved path at Tappan Lake taking visitors from the welcome center to the beach.
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