New Philadelphia, OH (June 4, 2026) — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is introducing a new opportunity to expand access to lakefront living. Windward Shores, a new cottage site development at Atwood Lake, opens a new opportunity for individuals to build and own a private home in one of the region’s most sought-after recreational destinations.
Commonly referred to as “cottage sites,” homeowners lease the land from MWCD while owning the cottage constructed on the property. All homes will be built according to design guidelines established and managed by MWCD to ensure quality, consistency, and balance with the surrounding natural environment.
The Windward Shores development, located off Lodge Road SW (State Route 542), will include 18 sublots. Every site is designed to maximize the lakefront experience, featuring access to Atwood Lake including a dock, golf cart parking areas near dock entrances, and access to beach areas.
“This development represents an exciting new chapter for Atwood Lake and MWCD,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “This is the first new cottage area in more than 50 years and will help fill a growing demand for lakefront living. The design includes private docks, private beach, golf cart trails, walking paths and spacious lots with ample room to build a beautiful home overlooking Atwood Lake.”
Community members interested in learning more are invited to attend an informational meeting on June 18, 2026, from 5-7pm at the Atwood Yacht Club (2637 Lodge Rd. SW, Sherrodsville, OH 44675), where MWCD representatives will share details about the project, leasing process, and design guidelines.
The cottage sites will be offered through a public auction on July 11, 2026, beginning at 11am at the Atwood Yacht Club, with an online bidding option through Kaufman Realty at Bid.kaufman-auctions.com.
Additional information is available online at www.mwcd.org/windwardshores.
About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $9 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy, garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD, and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Instagram.
