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State park and lodge cabins, campgrounds and day-use areas including golf courses remain open.
The public is encouraged to continue visiting the state parks to hike, bike, golf, fish and more. Visitors are encouraged to follow all COVID-19 social distancing guidelines while in the parks.
“Ohio joins other state park systems in the country making difficult decisions that protect public health; and we understand the short-term impact will be felt deeply by visitors and staff,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in a prepared statement.
“We believe these lodge closures are both necessary and temporary and look forward to re-opening these facilities for leisure and business guests,” Mertz said.
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Lodges that closed include Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee. U.S. Hotels, the lodge operator, is working to cancel or reschedule current reservations.
Closure is expected to be temporary until COVID-19 guidelines change or are lifted. U.S. Hotel staff will minimally staff the facilities for security and safety. For state park lodge or lodge cabin customers who wish to modify or cancel current reservations, please visit www.greatohiolodges.com or call 877-496-9224. The lodge operator, U.S. Hotels, is offering refunds for reservations made prior to closure.
The Lodge at Geneva State Park and its cottages closed at noon Thursday. Guests may visit www.thelodgeatgeneva.com or call 866-806-8066 to ask about current reservations and/or transfers and refunds.
To modify or cancel day use facility, state park campground or cabin reservations, visit www.reserveohio.com or call 866-644-6727. Ohio State Parks offers free transfers of reservations to a later date or refunds for reservations between March 17 and May 15.
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