On a calm Tuesday morning that attracted a number of boaters and anglers, state and local officials talked about recent and upcoming improvements at Delaware State Park.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Zehringer said, “Delaware State Park is a real gem, because people that are used to the city life can get out here and experience the outdoors in a very short drive. It takes a half hour to get here from Columbus, but it’s 10 minutes from Marion and the city of Delaware, and it’s the fastest growing region in the state of Ohio.”
The park is popular for many reasons, such as its 18-hole disc golf course, bass and crappie tournaments, canoeing and kayaking, and even being the site of the swimming portion for the Ironman triathlon. Locals and out-of-state residents also like the state’s 74 parks because Ohio is one of seven states that don’t charge admission.
But there are some issues that have to be addressed.
“The problem we have is a lot of our infrastructure is getting old, a lot of these parks were constructed in the 1960s and 1970,” Zehringer said. “So we had to update our facilities, and thanks to Gov. (John) Kasich and the General Assembly, we’ve made several improvements.”
The last two state budgets have provided nearly $130 million in capital improvements for the park system, and 5 percent of park revenues are re-invested in the maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure. Officials called it an investment in the state’s future, contributing to Ohio’s $43 billion tourism industry.
Improvements to Delaware State Park included a new paddle dock launch for canoes and kayaks that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new restroom at the southwest marina, and improved water lines at the campgrounds. Next year, parking lots will be repaved and shower houses at the campgrounds will be upgraded. A storm prior to the Ironman has led to converting the Nature Center into a centrally-located, Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved shelter area.
“We’re going to keep it clean and safe,” Zehringer said of the park.
Mike Miller, chief of the Delaware Wildlife Area, said his staff recently improved access to three fishing ponds, stocking them with channel catfish.
“Everyone’s had farm pond experiences in their life, and you equate them with a place where you’re guaranteed to catch a fish,” Miller said. “Pond fishing is a good thing.”
Other improvements include new targets, holders and yard markers at the archery range, and three new water control structures at the marsh for waterfowl hunters.
Since the shooting range is closed for repairs, the ODNR has partnered with nearby Cardinal Shooting Center to allow public shooting at their facility. Tom Twigg and Jake Spangler of Cardinal both said they were excited about the partnership and that their venue focused on safety and customer service.
“We’ve got a lot going on at the Delaware State Park and the Delaware Wildlife Area, and with the Division of Watercraft working together with the Department of Natural Resources, we’re able to get a lot of different things done at the parks,” Miller said.
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