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Recent projects at the park include the refurbished waterfowl pond, complete with new sidewalks and fence, and a new maintenance building replaced the old farm outbuilding which was completed in 2002; a new Breakwall to protect the boat launch was completed in 2003, with park funds and a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Watercraft. The fence around the playground was installed in 2005 for the saftey of the childeren. A new administration building was constructed in early summer of 2006. A grant from ODNR improved the parking lot area and lights at the boat launch in 2006 and new ramps are to be installed in 2007, and new sidewalks thru-out the park are being constructed.
In 2004 the Ohio Historical Society designated the Main Pavilion at Lakeshore Park as the oldest and longest pavilion still in continuous use on the Great Lakes. At 440 feet in length, the
Lake Shore Park Pavilion, now known as the Ashtabula
Township Park Lakefront Pavilion, Built in 1919, the pavilion, with
its bandstand/gazebo in the middle, is of steel frame
construction, and stood unchanged for the most part except
for the swept wing design roof replacement. The Historical marker was dedicated during the Annual Lighthouse Festival in 2005. |
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Indian Trails Park (the Gulf) is also on the revitalization track. In 2002, after much renewed interest in the park, a master plan/study was completed for the purpose of helping improve the park and to assist in grant applications. In 2006, with the assistance of a Clean Ohio Grant, the parking lot off State Road was improved along with 3000 feet of trail being improved. A restroom was also installed near the parking lot. With monies received from grants more improvements will follow. Also in 2006, with Fields Brook Natural Resource Damage Funds, an additional 38 acres were purchased off East 24th Street, bringing the total acreage in Indian Trails to over 405 acres.
A covered bridge will replace the existing iron bridge on State Road with construction already underway begining in the summer of 2006. The new bridge will be the longest Covered Bridge in the United States and will go over a portion of Indian Trails. This project is being completed by the Ashtabula County Engineer. Completion is expected in 2008.
With the continued support from the community and the dedicated employees and the Park Commissioners, The Ashtabula Township Park Commission will continue with the vision of the first Park Commissioners, to provide the Ashtabula Community with recreation areas. |