Park District Plans

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Opportunities for recreation and leisure are a hot commodity in the ongoing efforts to improve the area’s appeal to residents and visitors alike. 

The Muskingum Valley Park District held a board meeting today to discuss current projects and budgeting along with the direction of future projects. 

“Probably the first thing up was our Canal Park Greenway project. And that was that Appalachian Community Grant funded project. And things are moving along quite nicely, that. We’re actually getting ready for a late-spring construction start. And our contractors believe that things will be wrapped up by the middle of summer. So that’s really exciting to have another trail, as well as that handicap accessible kayak dock in the canal coming on-line,” MVPD Executive Director Russell Edgington said.

In addition to the Canal Park Greenway, work continues at the Straker Landing site near the intersection of Linden Avenue and Military Road.

“We’re hoping to be able to move forward with the entrance road and reconstruction of the boat ramp. And that will… you know planning to have taken… It will take place this summer. So we’re really excited about getting that site opened up so that the public can begin to use it for boater access and fishing,” Edgington said.

The park district sees the river as an underutilized asset that can be developed into a unique destination for boaters seeking to float to venues rather than trailer-up and roll to them.