Ohio to build new marina at Caesar Creek State Park

A new marina is being planned for Caesar Creek State Park, which is located in Warren County about 70 miles southwest of Columbus, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The full-service facility, located near the state park beach area, will be the first of its kind on the 2,830-acre Caesar Creek Lake.

“I am pleased to announce Phase One of the long-awaited development of a new full-service marina in southwest Ohio,” Sean Logan, ODNR director, said in a press release. “The marina, which will in part be funded by Ohio boaters, will provide boaters with services they’ve been asking for, which will in turn advance Ohio boating and economic development opportunities.

Based on a feasibility study commissioned by ODNR in 2006, the region can support a 300-dock marina with fuel, sanitary, launch and concession services. Phase One of marina development will include the installation of 150 boat slips. Initial construction could begin as early as 2012, with the project being completed in 2014.

"This represents the fulfillment of a long sought goal," said Mayor Richard Verga from the village of Harveysburg. "We have been working for years to provide our citizens and visitors with the kinds of amenities and services that are a part of this project."

ODNR’s Division of Watercraft will utilize the state’s Waterways Safety Fund to hire a design consultant to complete a preliminary design and budget for the marina. The design process will include holding an informational meeting to provide the public with an opportunity to share their ideas for the types of services and facility amenities they would like at the marina.

The Waterways Safety Fund is primarily funded through a share of the state’s motor fuels tax, watercraft registration and titling fees and a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We welcome ODNR’s investment in making Caesar Creek State Park an even bigger attraction,” said Pat South, Warren County Commissioner. “The construction of a marina this size will benefit our lake visitors and provide an additional boost to the economy in Warren County.”

Using an economic calculator developed by Michigan State University, an economic analysis suggests that if 300 boats of various sizes were kept at the Caesar Creek State Park marina, boaters will spend about $1,430 annually on upkeep and maintenance, not including fuel. Total trip spending by boats kept at the marina is estimated to be about $1 million: 14 percent spent on marina services, 20 percent spent on restaurants and bars, 17 percent groceries, 9 percent auto fuel and 31 percent boat fuel.

Using 2007 economic data, the analysis predicted that direct and secondary impacts to the local economy would include 27 jobs, $100,000 in labor income and $1.3 million in value-added funding streams.

Recreational facilities on Caesar Creek Lake include a 1,300 foot sand swimming beach and five boat launch ramps. For overnight stays, the park offers a large, modern campground with 283 electric campsites along with two types of getaway rentals. There is also a primitive horseman’s camp and group camp. Nearly 70 miles of trails weave through the park, including hiking, backpacking, bridle and mountain biking trails. 

Most of the 3,700 land acres available for public recreation at Caesar Creek State Park are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and operated and managed by the state through a long-term lease agreement. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the dam, spillway and associated structures to achieve its mission of flood control.

Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.