COLUMBUS—State Sen. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) this week announced the release of state capital funds for facility upgrades at Deer Creek State Park.

On Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board released a grant in the amount of $984,480 to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for various infrastructure and exterior upgrades near the park’s main lodge. Funding for the project was included as part of the state’s capital budget, approved by the Ohio General Assembly earlier this year.

“We hope that these facility improvements will help to enhance the visitor experience for the thousands of families that take advantage of Deer Creek each year,” said Peterson who sits on the controlling board.

Improvements include the replacement of the original HVAC components for the park lodge which was constructed in 1979. Additional upgrades are aimed at improving visitor safety with lighting upgrades in public areas and the replacement of deteriorating retention walls around the park pool and shuffle board courts.

Located in the heart of Ohio’s agricultural country, Deer Creek State Park is a premier outdoor vacation destination in central Ohio. The 2,337-acre resort park features scenic meadows and woodlands, a modern lodge, cottages, campground, golf course, swimming beach and boating for outdoor enthusiasts.