MIFFLIN — Families visiting Charles Mill Beach Campground have a new place to play.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District celebrated the opening of a destination playground on Friday.
The playground is one of several new amenities included in the campground’s $7.3 million renovation. The project also added full-hookup RV campsites, bathhouses, sports courts and a new pavilion overlooking Charles Mill Lake.
The project required more planning than many of the district’s other improvements. Novotny said the design and construction took about two and a half years.
“It’s all about connecting people to the outdoors,” said Pete Novotny, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Chief of Recreation, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Novotny said the campground was designed to take advantage of the lake’s views and create a stronger connection between visitors and the outdoors.
“When we designed this campground, there was really intentionality about having those amazing viewpoints on either side of this peninsula throughout your stay,” Novotny said.
The district also introduced camper rentals through General RV this year, placing the units in some of the campground’s most scenic locations.
Construction on the campground improvements began about a year ago after roughly two years of planning and design.
Novotny said the project reflects the conservancy district’s ongoing effort to upgrade parks throughout its region.
“We’re doing things like this across our whole district,” Novotny said. “I wish I was a kid again to be enjoying this the way they are.”
The colorful playground features multiple towers, climbing elements and slides that lead visitors toward the beach.
Underneath the playground’s artificial turf is a layer of condensed foam that creates a softer, more cushioned landing area for children.
Guests celebrated the playground’s opening with hot dogs and refreshments served at the campground’s new pavilion.
Novotny hopes it becomes a memorable part of childhood for families visiting Charles Mill Lake.
“Whether you’re going down one of the slides here and slide down to the beach, or staying overnight at these amazing facilities,” Novotny said, “we can’t wait to see all the happy memories they’re creating.”
