LORE CITY – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources broke ground last week on the nearly $5 million Salt Fork State Park Eco-Discovery Center in eastern Ohio, where Bigfoot him- or herself serves as a tour guide.
The (possibly) mythical woodland creature will act as a character guide throughout the 3,300 square-foot center in an interactive journey through Salt Fork’s forest ecosystem, ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.
“We are excited to begin this project that will welcome people to Salt Fork State Park in a unique way. I can’t wait to see visitors of all ages explore the ecosystem of the world around them in this building that will focus on education and sustainability—two of our big priorities at our parks,” Mertz said.
The building will include sustainable elements indoors such as high efficiency HVAC equipment and filtration, LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, a water bottle refilling station, and an entry floor system to reduce indoor pollution.
Outside of the building, visitors will find a green roof and wall, permeable pathways, solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, and EV charging stations.
The center is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, Mertz said.