The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has completed nearly $8.7 million in upgrades at Charles Mill Lake, adding new camping amenities, expanded beach features and improved marina accessibility.
According to a community announcement, the improvements include a renovated beach campground, a new ADA-accessible marina connection and recreational amenities designed to expand access and enhance the visitor experience.
The investment aims to strengthen Charles Mill Lake's role as a destination for camping, boating, fishing and family recreation.
"Charles Mill has long been one of Ohio's favorite places to camp, boat and spend time outdoors, and these improvements ensure it will remain a destination for families for years to come," said Pete Novotny, chief of recreation. "We've created a better experience from the moment visitors arrive. Whether you're pulling into a campsite, boating at marina, enjoying the beach or watching your kids explore the new playground, you'll see the difference these investments have made."
The beach-area campground now includes 30 RV sites featuring concrete pads, 50-amp electric service and full hook-up connections.
Additional improvements include a new restroom and shower house, a picnic shelter, updates to the beach restroom and concession building, a destination playground, pickleball courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and utility connections for food trucks during special events and peak visitation periods.
Officials also marked the completion of a new ADA-accessible connection at Charles Mill Marina.
The marina project included a paved accessible walking path, upgraded dock infrastructure, new electrical and water service, expanded parking and green infrastructure improvements intended to improve stormwater management while reducing environmental impacts.
According to the announcement, the marina work received support from a $910,000 One-Time Strategic Community Investments Fund award.
MWCD said the combined beach, campground and marina improvements modernize recreational facilities while expanding camping opportunities and improving access for visitors of all abilities.
The district said the upgrades add amenities throughout the recreation area and improve the overall experience for campers, boaters and beach visitors.
Information about campsite reservations, rental RVs and cabins is available at mwcd.org.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Charles Mill Lake unveils major park improvements