ODNR plans visitor center for Portage Lakes after $3.97 million approved for project
A state agency has approved funds for a 2,500-square-foot, multimillion-dollar visitor center at Portage Lakes State Park, which straddles a broad section of southern Summit County.
The state Controlling Board, which reviews and adjusts the state budget, met Nov. 21 and approved $14.9 million for visitor and nature centers at various parks. About $3.975 million is earmarked for the Portage Lakes park center.
State funds:Tudor House on Portage Lakes receives nearly 4 acres of land through state grant
The Portage Lakes State Park borders the communities of New Franklin, Coventry Township and Green. Several of the lakes were built in the early 1800s as a network of water supply reservoirs, while others were created as a direct result of glacial activity, according to ODNR.
State Rep. Bob Young said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is still firming up details of site location and design of the center, but it would likely be placed near the park entrance in New Franklin.
"The preferred location," he said, "is by the water."
Earlier this year, Young supported legislation that included funding that was designated for the Portage Lakes project.
Where the activity is at Portage Lakes State Park
New Franklin Mayor Paul Adamson said Tuesday he wrote to the ODNR director last month, expressing his view that the center would work best near the Turkeyfoot Lake beachfront.
"I've weighed in that the lakefront area would be the (best) place," he said. "I live close by, and I am over there all the time. Bottom line is, the activity is down by the lake — that's where it's at."
The park entrance leads visitors through wooded parkland, winding from Manchester Road to Turkeyfoot Lake, where a popular public swimming beach is located.
Nearby, the Tudor House, a 20-room mansion built by B.F. Goodrich executive Frank Mason in 1929, is used by New Franklin for public events along the lakefront. In 2020, ODNR granted the city 3.76 acres near the house for public use.
"We have such a good partnership going with them," Adamson said.
Questions remain on specific use of funds
According to Controlling Board documents, the visitors center will include restrooms, an office space, a small conference area and storage spaces.
Young said it's possible the site could include license sales or other amenities.
An ODNR spokesperson, however, said it was too early in the planning process to comment on the project.
Legat Architects Inc., a Chicago firm with an office in Columbus, will provide design and construction services for the center and another visitor center in Mohican State Park in Ashland County.
A Controlling Board document for the visitor and nature centers suggests construction could begin in February 2024 for the projects, although Young said it could come earlier for the Portage Lakes center.
The state lawmaker said local ODNR staff have an idea of what they'd like to see with the visitor center if it's placed at the entrance area of the park near the waterfront.
"It seems like a pretty nice concept …," he said. "It's a heavily used area back there."
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ODNR plans visitor center for Portage Lakes after $3.975 million OK'd
