Commissioners briefed on Shawnee project
Scioto County Commissioners have finally gotten what they’ve been wanting for months, an update on the progress of plans for the former golf course at Shawnee State Park.
The commissioners were able to meet with the project manager to have their questions answered. Commissioner Bryan Davis said he was pleased with the meeting and for the update on the progress. “I really appreciate the timelines he presented. We really need to have a realistic look at this.”
Davis said it looks like it’s going to take several years to complete the ambitious project which includes turning the golf course ponds into a kayaking and paddleboard course, upgrading the marina, new campgrounds that can hold larger RVs, and a zip line among other things. “Is it going to happen as fast as we want it to? No.”
Davis said the reason for the holdup is that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources faces the same challenge commissioners face every single day: dealing with government red tape. “They deal with the same stuff we do. They may be the state but they still have to jump through hoops with facilities commission and other agencies.”
Davis said right now, “they have a bucket of money to work with.” Approximately $2 million dollars. The first phase will be combining the golf course ponds. Up next will be work on the campgrounds which is expected to be finished by 2021. The hope is to have new fuel tanks for the marina installed in late 2021. A lot of the progress will depend on whether or not the Ohio Legislature approves ODNR’s budget for 2022.
“We encouraged them to move as fast as they can,” Davis said. “If you’re going to do this, then get it done so that the people can start benefitting from the project.”
Commissioner Cathy Coleman said ODNR would continue to meet with them on a regular basis to keep them up-to-date.
The commissioners were assured that the state is committed to the success of the project. According to Davis, “The comment was that the director is very committed to getting this done.”
Davis also said that the project manager promised to clean up the debris from the old golf course sign and put in a new sign.
Our own Betty Smith attended a media day at the park last week. Here’s that clip in case you missed it.
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