Project closes area state park for the season

COLUMBUS -- A campground that draws about 40,000 people each year will be closed for the entire 2001 camping season to accommodate a $2.6 million improvement project.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said West Branch State Park in Portage County has not undergone a major upgrade since it opened in 1966.
Improvements on the 103-site campground include two shower houses with flush toilets, drinking fountains and a dual sewage dump station for trailers.
These improvements are the first part of a four-year, four-phase project that will eventually add 100 campsites, expand electrical service and repave roads.
Officials said campsites will be made available at Mosquito Lake State Park in Trumbull County, Punderson State Park in Geauga County, Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County and Findley State Park in Lorain County to those who normally use West Branch.
Pymatuning State Park in Ashtabula County will allow camping until its campground closes for improvements Aug. 6.