Funds to help Refurbish Old Lock 27

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 20, 2001

ROME – Contractors began dozer work Tuesday at Old Lock 27, taking the first steps toward reshaping the 16-acre area into a community park.

Wednesday, June 20, 2001

ROME – Contractors began dozer work Tuesday at Old Lock 27, taking the first steps toward reshaping the 16-acre area into a community park.

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Township officials, volunteers and the county will receive about $87,000 in state Nature Works grant funds to develop the former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site, said Margie Burcham, county grant writer. Local officials must provide matching funds. The county holds a lease on the area from the Corps.

Riley Development is starting on improvements called for by the grant. The entire grant includes money for new fencing, picnic tables, horseshoe pits and landscaping; as well as concrete, road and guardrail work in various locations.

Ultimately, the community wants to see swingsets for children, picnic shelters, general upkeep – a true park, said Ms. Burcham, who grew up in the Rome area.

Community volunteer Bill Dalton, who watched Tuesday as dozer operators smoothed over an embankment grown up in weeds, said the old locks area has great potential as a park.

"I first came down here three or four years ago to look and it was a mess, but it has the potential to become a wonderful attraction," he said.

Already, work by township trustees and area residents who volunteered cleanup time have made a tremendous improvement, he added.

"There has been a lot of community cooperation from individuals and businesses, and we encourage more," Ms. Burcham said.

Dalton said he envisions a place where lots of people can gather – for everything from reunions to family picnics – and a place that boasts of recreation, like fishing from the long concrete esplanade that lines the lock area.

Volunteers also plan to clean up and refurbish an existing tennis court at the park.

"It will be a wonderful asset to this part of the county," Dalton said, adding that a peaceful, off-the-road place to get away and enjoy the river will benefit many people.

For businesses or individuals wanting to volunteer with the Lock 27 Park Association’s project, there are many ways to do so, members said.

Fundraisers are being planned for September and October – singings at the future park along the Ohio River.

Also, volunteers will place collection jars at different locations, and begin calling on businesses for donations, said Margie Burcham, county grant writer.

Work using grant funds has already begun, which will mean the area will soon be usable and ready to transform into a feature attraction, said Bill Dalton, community volunteer.

For example, the grant will reduce the slope of the embankment to make mowing and landscaping easier mowing. Refurbishing handrails and parking facilities are also planned. Other general cleanup and drainage work will bring the park up to standard, then volunteers hope to raise money for recreational extras, Dalton said.

In the future, there could be walking areas permanent structures, anything the community would want or use, he said.

Yet, while the ideas are many the association needs more helping hands, as well as donations and matching funds for additional work.

To donate, or find out more information, contact Lock 27 Park, 471 Township Road 1525, Proctorville, Ohio, 45669. Or, contact J.B. Finaly, township trustee and park association president, at 886-5298.