2/12/2007 8:38:00 AM Upgrades in '06 help make Rocky Fork a close-to-home vacation spot Park gears up for 2007
By GARY ABERNATHY For The Times-Gazette
Last year saw one of the largest commitments to improving existing facilities and resources at Rocky Fork Lake State Park in recent history, and more upgrades are on the way for 2007.
From the campground site to infrastructure and maintenance improvements all across the park, lake officials point to nearly 50 specific park improvements during calendar year 2006.
"I see it as a continuing commitment by the state to improve the park," says Earl Hughes, vice president of the new Rocky Fork Community Alliance.
Under the leadership of state park officials, including Rocky Fork park manager Jeff Boester, major improvements were made across the park region, including the popular campground area, with water and sewer upgrades, and the remodeling of several campground facilities.
The campground shower house was remodeled, including an exterior facelift and landscaping. Inside shower house improvements included upgrades of the showers and changing areas, increased lighting, new plumbing fixtures, privacy panels and paint.
Thirteen pull-through sites were added to the upper camp region, and a "group camp" area was added to accommodate clusters of up to 36 people.
The Park Volunteers program has been expanded with the addition of new helpers, and old campground area signs have been replaced with recycled plastic signs.
Park officials also increased the recreational opportunities in the campground, and created room for a new overflow parking lot and basketball court by removing an abandoned sewage treatment plant.
At the marina, the concession area was remodeled inside and out, as was the activity center, including paint, new lighting and new appliances. Old picnic tables were replaced with pedestal tables on concrete pads, as well as the addition of a group grill.
Two new pontoon boats have been added to the marina rental fleet, and selected campground paved pads were enlarged.
The park also made a renewed commitment to personnel and staffing, as well as training. Front line employees attended a division-wide customer service training program, with additional customer training provided as part of employee orientation.
Maintenance staff attended similar division-wide training, as well as a Maintenance Trades Academy.
All employees at the park underwent annual employee evaluations to include goal setting, and 12 concession employees were recognized as "Customer Service Champions" for outstanding service.
Funding for much of the improvements came through a new policy of combining individual park budgets into one regional budget.
Lake officials plan to continue their commitment to improving the park region throughout 2007. The park has requested funding to remove an existing mini-golf course so it can be replaced with a new one. Park officials also plan to begin replacing existing picnic tables in the outlying areas with pedestal tables featuring recycled plastic seats and tops.
New paddle boats and kayak rentals at the campground are on the horizon, as well as two log cabin kits for Getaway Rentals in the campground. Officials want to add additional electric hookups to selected campsites.
Also on the agenda is a new 18-hole "disc golf course" at South Beach, as well as remodeling the interior of the restaurant facility and developing more programs promoting outdoor education, such as canoeing and kayak self-guided tours of the wetland area adjacent to the campground.
One of its most unique projects is a partnership with Supplemental Assistance to the Handicapped (SATH), working to develop the KAMP Dovetail Group Activity Area. The park is in the process of securing funds for a 48-foot by 60-foot shelter for the area, with the goal of making Rocky Fork the permanent home of SATH's KAMP Dovetail.
A recently published brochure highlights the strategic plan for Ohio state parks through 2010, and is available at the park office.
Hughes says the improvements at the lake and the commitment to continue the upgrades and new programs will help make the goals of the new community alliance easier to reach.
"I think they're doing a great job," said Hughes. "It really does make it attractive for local residents to take their vacation in their own backyard."
-Gary Abernathy is a consultant and freelance writer, contributing occasionally to The Times-Gazette.
