June 26, 2008
The new Ohio River boat ramp and dock at Chilo Lock 34 Park is now open. The renovation to the existing boat ramp was paid for entirely by an $800,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft. The ramp will allow for easier access to the Ohio River by recreational boaters.
The improvements to the ramp expanded the existing boat ramp from one lane to two and 100 feet of floating courtesy docks were installed. And additional 40 parking spaces for cars and trailers have been added as well. “The park’s boat ramp is frequently used on the weekends by pleasure boaters and fisherman. We hope the improvement will allow more boaters to take advantage of the facilities at Chilo Lock 34 Park and the Ohio River.” said Clermont County Park District Director Chris Clingman.
In addition to the boat ramp, Chilo Lock 34 Park also offers a visitor center and museum dedicated to Ohio River History, picnic facilities, a playground, and hiking trails through the adjacent Crooked Run Nature Preserve.
“With the docks now in place, boaters on the river will now be able to stop and enjoy the park rather than sailing on by it. They can get out, enjoy the visitor center, hike through the nature preserve, or play on the playground” said Clingman. “We want people to enjoy the park. We think it is truly a wonderful resource that many Clermont County citizens should enjoy.”
With the boat ramp improvements, the Park District has made nearly $2,000,000 worth of improvements to the park since 2005. Chilo Lock 34 Park is located on US Highway 52 in the village of Chilo. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
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