MWCD Launches “Naturally Ahead” Initiative to Expand and Upgrade Recreation Amenities Across Its Parks and Marinas
June 4, 2025, NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has launched the next phase of its visionary strategic plan: Honoring our past, planning our future, to revolutionize the region’s recreational offerings. This initiative, titled Naturally Ahead, builds on a $195 million investment made since 2013 and marks an exciting continuation of MWCD’s commitment to creating state-of-the-art facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Over the next six years, MWCD will invest an additional $154 million into transforming the region’s parks and marinas into national models of modern outdoor recreation. When it is complete, the MWCD will have invested more than $349 million to enhance the outdoor recreation experience, making Ohio a leader in outdoor recreation.
The MWCD’s Master Plan, first announced in 2013, was funded by oil and gas revenue, allowing the district to reinvest 100% of the income back into aging infrastructure. With much of the original infrastructure dating back to the mid-20th century, the MWCD undertook substantial improvements to bring campgrounds, marinas, and other facilities into the 21st century. These upgrades were essential to meet the growing demands of outdoor recreation, including larger campsites capable of accommodating today’s RVs, new restroom and shower buildings, improved wastewater systems, welcome centers, and marina buildings.
Additionally, MWCD has expanded its offerings to include more than just upgraded camping and cabin accommodations. Responding to public interest, MWCD has incorporated new amenities such as additional playgrounds, trails, spray grounds, sports courts, and fiber optic infrastructure for improved communication.
To date, MWCD has completed campground renovations and amenity expansions at Atwood, Charles Mill, Clendening, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes. An economic impact study conducted by Cleveland State University found that between 2014 and 2022, MWCD’s investments supported over 2,600 jobs and generated nearly $1 billion in regional economic activity.
As MWCD looks to the future, the Naturally Ahead initiative is set to transform the recreational landscape, bringing in a new era of unparalleled outdoor experience.
“‘Naturally Ahead’ is our promise to the communities and families who love MWCD parks—we’re continuing to make the experience bigger and better,” said MWCD Executive Director Craig Butler. “We’re creating modern, fun, and accessible experiences for visitors of every age and interest—whether they want to fish, camp, paddle, hike, or play.”
The $154 million investment will address remaining infrastructure needs while introducing new trends and community-driven projects, such as the newly completed bicycle pump track at Tappan Lake, a destination splash pad at Seneca Lake, and future additions including a regional safety center to the Tappan Lake Region, and luxury “glamping” experiences.
In response to the growing popularity of alternative camping experiences, MWCD is introducing treehouses and luxury cabins at Tappan and Atwood Lake Parks. These accommodations will offer guests a serene escape with panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding landscapes. The treehouses will provide an elevated experience among the treetops, while the luxury cabins will offer a comfortable, modern retreat surrounded by nature.
MWCD is also adding more secluded experiences with teardrop camping areas designed for guests seeking privacy and immersion in nature. These new camping options will emphasize sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features to minimize the environmental footprint while offering guests a unique outdoor experience.
Additionally, MWCD is enhancing connectivity with Wi-Fi. This will allow visitors to stay connected for both work and entertainment, ensuring an improved experience for those who require better communication while enjoying nature. To date, campground wide, free wi-fi is available at Atwood and Tappan Lake Parks.
In addition to these innovative accommodations, MWCD is committed to enhancing its trail systems. A plan to expand the trail system throughout the district to nearly 300 miles will further connect visitors to nature, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor exploration.
Not only is MWCD improving the guest experience, outdated maintenance facilities are also slated to improve across the district. These upgrades will ensure that staff are better equipped to manage the expanded and modernized parks and recreational amenities. The new and improved buildings will provide essential support for the district’s operations, allowing for more efficient maintenance and quicker response times to ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.
“Every splash pad, trail, and basketball court is part of a larger vision,” Butler added. “We’re working to make Eastern Ohio a top-tier destination for outdoor fun while supporting the businesses and residents that depend on a strong recreation economy.”
Along with its recreational improvements, MWCD remains a leader in flood mitigation, environmental stewardship, and water quality. The district has invested over $16 million into stormwater and flood control projects, and $28 million to US Army Corps of Engineers Dam projects, ensuring the region’s long-term sustainability.
