Lake County Times

The Ohio Controlling Board has approved funds for improvements at four state parks in northeast Ohio, as announced by State Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord). These funds, a combination of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) and State General Revenue Fund (GRF) dollars, were awarded following a competitive bidding process conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Integra Excavating LLC was selected as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder to make improvements to restroom facilities at Mosquito Lake State Park in Trumbull County, Punderson State Park in Geauga County, Headlands Beach State Park in Lake County, and West Branch State Park in Portage County. The projects will include the removal of existing pit latrines, addition of new flush restrooms, and the renovation of existing flush restrooms.

“Our goal is to make sure Ohio’s state parks are clean, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone,” said Glen Cobb, Chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “These upgrades will make a big difference for visitors, giving them better facilities to enjoy while they’re out exploring and relaxing in our parks.”

The $2.4 million renovations are scheduled to be completed by April 13, 2026. They are part of a larger program administered by ODNR to improve the state park's restroom infrastructure. These renovations aim to enhance visitor experience by replacing outdated facilities with more modern and sanitary infrastructure.

“Headlands Beach State Park and Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve are undoubtedly two of the biggest assets in Lake County as they are enjoyed by over 250,000 visitors annually including locals and visitors from Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Erie and Pittsburgh which is a tremendous boost to our local economy,” said Neil Stein, Executive Director of Tour Lake County. “The park hosts exciting events annually including the Headlands Sand Sculpture Festival in July and this September 20-22 the park will be hosting the inaugural Headlands Birding Festival which will welcome birders from near and far to witness birds during the fall migration. We at Tour Lake County want thank ODNR and Rep. Callender for investing in maintaining this tremendous park which is an asset for Lake County and all of Ohio.”

Located in Mentor, Ohio, the 35-acre Headlands Beach State Park was opened in 1953 as Painesville Beach State Park and is home to some of the best birding in the Great Lakes region. It also features miles of walking and cycling paths as well as its eponymous beach which has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the United States.

“Lake County’s beaches and waterways attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals alike to spend time enjoying the natural wonder of Lake Erie,” said Callender. “By making these renovations we are ensuring that our state parks system is able to continue being a beacon of conservation, recreation, and family memories for thousands more visitors for decades to come.”