LOUDONVILLE — Outdoor recreation in north central Ohio is taking a major step forward thanks to a $135,000 Connective Communities Grant awarded by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD).
The grant was secured by the Mohican Area Growth Foundation (MAGF) to fund “The Black Fork River Access & Recreation Hub,” located at Riverside Park in Loudonville.
The total project cost is estimated at $323,739. The MWCD grant covers half of the direct construction costs, with MAGF contributing a $13,500 local match for signage and educational displays, and the Ashland County Park District committing the remaining funds to complete the development.
Situated on the west bank of the Black Fork of the Mohican River — on land owned by the Village of Loudonville and leased to the Ashland County Park District — the project transforms an informal riverbank into Loudonville’s first universally accessible public river launch.
The infrastructure improvements will feature a stabilized, prefabricated kayak launch system, an accessible walkway, upgraded parking, and an informational kiosk focused on river safety, navigation,and watershed stewardship.
Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027, with completion targeted for the end of the year.
Directly adjacent to the Mohican Bike Path, the hub will seamlessly link paddling with cycling, downtown businesses,and nearby Mohican State Park.
It also creates a critical connection to the Ashland County Park District’s recently acquired Greentown Native American Preserve, opening up new opportunities for educational float trips and environmental programming in partnership with local schools and conservation groups.
On a broader scale, the launch serves as a foundational link in an interconnected regional corridor uniting assets across Loudonville, Perrysville, Pleasant Hill Lake Park, and Malabar Farm State Park to support multi-day visitor experiences and fuel the regional tourism economy.
“Connecting people to the outdoors and investing directly in local community assets is fundamental to the mission of the MWCD,” said Peter Novotny, Chief of Recreation for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
“Through our Connective Communities Grant program, we are proud to partner with local leaders in Ashland County and Loudonville to build infrastructure that expands public water access, supports the vibrant regional recreation economy,and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
Local leaders underscored the strategic impact of the initiative. “This recreation hub is a prime example of what happens when local organizations align around a shared vision for community development,” said Jordan Lance, President of the Mohican Area Growth Foundation.
“Connecting our downtown asset base directly to the river corridor and bike trail enhances quality of life for our residents and strengthens our local businesses by tapping into the vibrant outdoor recreation economy that defines the Mohican area.”
The project highlights the Ashland County Park District’s ongoing commitment to investing in high-impact public access facilities and watershed stewardship.
“Ashland County Park District is proud to partner on this critical investment in Loudonville and the Black Fork corridor,” said Dan Mager, Director of the Ashland County Park District. “Our parks and waterways are core economic drivers for the region.
“By partnering with MWCD, MAGF, and the Village of Loudonville, we are expanding safe, convenient,and universally accessible river access that complements Mohican State Park and elevates our regional park network for generations to come.”
Village leadership celebrated the grant award as a major milestone for local recreation infrastructure and community wellness.
“We are thrilled to see this project moving forward in Riverside Park,” said Ashley Buirley, Loudonville Village Councilwoman and Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
“Adding a dedicated, accessible kayak launch along the Black Fork gives our community direct access to the water while tying right into our existing bike trail and park system. It’s a wonderful win for Loudonville families, visitors, and our local economy.”