CAESAR CREEK STATE PARK — Boating enthusiasts and local officials gathered for the official opening and ribbon-cutting for the Marina at Caesar Creek. The project, which began in early 2015, was finished and opened to boaters this May.
The Marina at Caesar Creek is part of the ongoing efforts to renovate the Ohio State Park infrastructure. In 2014, Governor Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly provided $88.5 million towards improving Ohio’s state parks. Nearly $38 million was just approved in the 2016 capital budget for additional and ongoing improvement projects at Ohio State Parks.
“This marina has been eagerly awaited,” ODNR Director Jim Zehringer said. “The lake itself is the fourth most visited state park lake and we know that this magnificent facility will continue to draw a lot of people to visit and enjoy this community.”
With 122 boat docks, harbormaster building and fuel station (ethynol-free 89 octane), the long-awaited marina delivers modern amenities for boaters to experience. Visitors can take advantage of a store, concession area, public restrooms, outside deck, shower and laundry facilities.
The Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau stated that annually more than 3 million visitors consistently visit the state park, and that it is one of the top three attractions in the area.
“The people who travel to Caesar Creek make memories. They love the hiking, fossil hunting, swimming, paddle-boarding and boating available at the park,” Warren CVB Marketing Director Mary Fessler said. “This marina will only enhance their experience.”
Boaters were already eager to take advantage of the marina. A lottery was held in February and all docks are occupied for the 2016 season. The 2017 lottery will be held in August 2016.
The total cost of Phase 1 — the completion of a fully-operational marina — was about $8 million and was funded through the Waterways Safety Fund, which consists of watercraft registration and title fees, a share of the state motor fuel tax and funding through the U.S. Coast Guard.
