ODNR closes nine state park lodges

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COLUMBUS — In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) guidance, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) closed nine Ohio State Park Lodges after check-out on Thursday, March 19 to protect the health of both visitors and staff.

State park and lodge cabins, campgrounds and day-use areas including golf courses are still open. The public is encouraged to continue visiting Ohio State Parks to hike, bike, golf, fish or just enjoy being outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to follow all COVID-19 social distancing guidelines while in the parks.

“Ohio joins other state park systems in the country making difficult decisions that protect public health; and we understand the short-term impact will be felt deeply by visitors and staff,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We believe these lodge closures are both necessary and temporary and look forward to re-opening these facilities for leisure and business guests.”

State Park Lodges closing Thursday include Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee. U.S. Hotels, the lodge operator, is working to cancel or reschedule current reservations. Closure is expected to be temporary until COVID-19 guidelines change or are lifted. U.S. Hotel staff will minimally staff the facilities for security and safety. For state park lodge or lodge cabin customers who wish to modify or cancel current reservations, please visit www.greatohiolodges.com or call 877-496-9224. The lodge operator, U.S. Hotels, is offering refunds for reservations made prior to closure.

Operated locally by Delaware North, and owned by the Ashtabula County Commissioners, the Lodge at Geneva State Park and its cottages also closed on March 19. Guests may visit www.thelodgeatgeneva.com or call 866-806-8066 to inquire about current reservations and/or transfers and refunds.

To modify or cancel day use facility, state park campground or state park cabin reservations, visit www.reserveohio.com or call 866-644-6727. Ohio State Parks offers free transfers of reservations to a later date or refunds for reservations between 3/17/20 and 5/15/20.

For more information on COVID-19 and ODH’s recommendations on prevention and preparation, please visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

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