MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP — Charles Mill Lake Park is undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservatory District owns and manages the park situated on 2,000 acres straddling Richland and Ashland counties.
According to Adria Bergeron, the park’s director of marketing and communications, construction on the $7.3 million project began in March.
Since then, Shrock Premier Custom Construction has completed approximately five months of active construction work.
Due to ongoing construction, several areas will remain closed throughout 2025. These closures include the entire beach peninsula, playground, shelters, the swimming beach and the Messerly Center.
To date, most utilities are installed, including sanitary sewer, stormwater and water lines. In addition, several electrical lines and associated structures are already in place.
There are several significant components underway.
“The contractor has completed site clearing and demolition, followed by major earthwork and grading. The next phase will focus on continuing the installation of electrical systems,” Bergeron said.
In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, visitors can look forward to several new amenities. These include a basketball court, pickleball court, volleyball court and modern playground.
Visitors who enjoy the campground area can expect a brand-new look with concrete pads, electrical, water and sanitary sewer hookups. Crews are pouring concrete sidewalks and RV pads in preparation for campground improvements.
The construction crew is installing a new asphalt trail connecting to the existing campground. Construction of new asphalt roadways and parking areas are underway.
Workers are building a new shelter house, restroom, shower and laundry facility. The existing bathroom is in redevelopment.
For visitors who enjoy fishing, the upgrades include an ADA fishing pier with shade sails and a concrete pad with utility hookups for food trucks near the beach.
“Shoreline protection improvements along the causeway and creation of a new courtesy dock area are still in progress,” Bergeron said.
Charles Mill plans to enhance the landscaping by planting trees, shrubs, seeding lawn areas and pollinator plantings.
The construction aims for completion in July 2026.