AKRON, OH - Recent improvements at the 55-acre Anthony and Margaret Knapp Recreation Area were dedicated today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Portage Lake State Park. The property was donated to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) by Beatrice McDowell in 1999 in honor of her parents.
“We are thankful to Beatrice McDowell for her generous donation to Portage Lakes State Park and to the visitors who will enjoy this beautiful area for decades to come,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “These recent improvements make the property even more of an asset to the park.”
About $250,000 in improvements have been made to the property since it was acquired by the state, including: a new paved entrance road and sign, a paved 24-vehicle parking lot, a new shelterhouse, perimeter fencing and security lighting.
Future improvements include flush restrooms, a courtesy dock and accessible fishing pier, a multiple-use path, picnic facilities, playground, additional parking and a gazebo shelter.
Many guests were in attendance at today’s dedication including Beatrice McDowell and her son-in-law Philip Lloyd, former ODNR directors Frances Buchholzer and Joseph Sommer, former State Sen. Roy Ray and several other local and state officials.
Portage Lakes State Park is located southern Akron and features more than 2,000 acres of water and 411 acres of parkland. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, camping, boating, fishing and picnicking. For more information on Portage Lakes State Park call 330-644-2220.
EDITORS NOTE: Photos from today's dedication are available upon request