COLUMBUS, OH - State and local officials today cut the ribbon on $810,000 in boating and fishing access improvements to the East Boat Launch Ramp at Deer Creek State Park in Pickaway County. The launch ramp is located off Deer Creek Road, adjacent to the historic Harding Cabin.

The renovation project, funded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), eased access to the ramp’s launch lanes, expanded parking and pull-off areas, enhanced lighting and added floating docks and a handicapped-accessible boarding dock to the facility.

“Thanks to major investments such as these, Deer Creek and the 73 other Ohio State Parks continue to be attractive destinations for Ohio families,” said ODNR Director Sam Speck. “ Our commitment to maintaining and improving the state park system remains strong.”

The extended two-lane launch ramp now offers better access to the lake, especially in winter when water levels are lower. It also features v-groove construction for increased vehicle traction. Most significantly, the road leading to the ramp is reconfigured to a gentler grade, making it easier to load and unload watercraft. The project also included installation of shoreline protection and a new seawall.

Hartman Engineering of Delaware served as design consultant for the project. The general contractor was Lo Debar, Inc. of Newark. Jess Howard Electric Company of Blacklick served as the electrical contractor.

More than 872,000 people visited Deer Creek State Park in 2005. The park’s 1,277-acre lake is open to boats of unlimited horsepower and is famous for its early spring saugeye fishing below the dam. Excellent catches of catfish, largemouth bass and crappie are recorded each year.
 

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