ODNR Breaks Ground on New Visitor Center

AKRON, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources broke ground Tuesday at Portage Lakes State Park, marking the beginning of construction for a new visitor center. 

The new facility will serve as a welcoming gateway for thousands of guests, offering interactive and informative displays that highlight the history and significance of the park’s eight canal lakes, a news release states.

“This new visitor center at Portage Lakes State Park represents our continued commitment to improving the experience for everyone who comes to enjoy the natural beauty of this area,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We are thrilled to create a space where visitors can learn about the historical and ecological importance of these lakes, fostering a deeper connection to the park and its resources.”

The 6,000-square-foot visitor center, with an estimated budget of $5 million, will be located at the beach area. The project includes extensive site preparation, including the installation of electricity, water and sewer utilities.

The exhibits in the center will be designed to educate visitors on the role the lakes have played in the community over time, from their origins to their current use as recreational havens, the release states.

Pictured at top: An artist’s rendering of the new visitor center at Portage Lakes State Park.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.