The popular boat launch ramp at Tappan Lake off Rt. 250 in Harrison County could undergo some major improvements in time for the 2009 boating season.
A successful application for a state grant would produce about $385,000 worth repairs to the launch ramp, new courtesy docks, a new and relocated restroom, lighting and parking lot improvements.
Members of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Board of Directors recently approved filing an application for the grant funding from Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The MWCD manages Tappan Lake along with 13 other reservoirs in a coordinated system in the Muskingum River Watershed for flood reduction and water conservation, including use of the lake for recreation.
“These improvements to the boat ramp are very important and very necessary,” said John M. Hoopingarner, MWCD executive director/secretary. “If we receive the funding, a number of items identified by boaters at Tappan Lake can be included in the project, including safer launching of boats, a new restroom and better location for it, and lighting.”
Hoopingarner said the MWCD hopes to hear about its grant application later this year with construction work to follow and potentially be completed by the spring of 2009.
In another matter, the MWCD Board members approved a two-year lease agreement for operation of the Atwood Lake Park activity center restaurant and general store with Anderson & Dotts Management Inc., operators of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at New Philadelphia. The operation should open soon with plenty of menu items and treats for campers and visitors to the park, said Scott Barnhart, MWCD’s park coordinator and chief ranger. A full range of campers’ supplies also will be offered, he said.
Board members also authorized the operation of a restaurant at Atwood Lake Boats Marina East to Michael Starlin, who is expected to open Mike’s Café in the marina located near Dellroy in Carroll County in May.
In other business, the Board:
- approved a contract for fireworks for shows at several MWCD locations was awarded by the Board of Directors to American Fireworks Co. of Hudson on its low bid of $31,100. The MWCD traditionally hosts summer fireworks shows at Atwood, Charles Mill, Pleasant Hill, Seneca and Tappan lake parks, as well as at Atwood Lake Resort and Conference Center. Show dates and times are available on the MWCD website at www.mwcdlakes.com.
- authorized installation of six new shower stalls in a shower building at Atwood Lake Park through a contract with Stanley Miller Construction of East Sparta on its low bid of $58,300 for the project. Three shower stalls each in the men’s and women’s portions of the building will be installed, according to the plans. A state NatureWorks grant of $33,000 has been awarded to the MWCD for the project.
- adopted a resolution of appreciation for Thomas Roe, who recently resigned as a member of the MWCD Board of Appraisers.
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