PEDRO - Monday's reopening of Lake Vesuvius focused on memories - cherishing the old ones and celebrating the promise of many more to come.

Whether it was swimming with teenage friends, family camping trips full of the expected mishaps or relaxing picnics in the woods, nearly everyone recounted fond memories while still looking towards the future.

A few hundred people filled the recreation area and braved the heat for the day filled with entertainment and reflection. A ribbon cutting officially dedicated the boardwalk and an historic marker at the Lake Vesuvius Furnace was unveiled to celebrate the furnace's significance and ties to the Underground Railroad.

"I think when you leave here today you will have a lot in your heart and minds about the past, present and future," said Ironton District Ranger Gloria Chrismer.

Lake Vesuvius was drained in January 2001 and much of the 143-acre recreation area within the Wayne National Forest was closed to allow a variety of improvements that included a 1,400-foot handicap accessible boardwalk, new fishing pier and a renovated boat ramp area.

Vesuvius was refilled earlier this spring.

Mary Reddan, forest supervisor for the Wayne, said the boardwalk project took a lot of hard work, money and cooperation that has now paid off with "possibly the nicest boardwalk ever built on a small lake."

"It is ready for many long years of recreation and fun for us all," she said.

For Lawrence County Commissioner George Patterson, the visit brought back countless fond memories of his youth.

"My father is no longer with us, but time and time again he brought us up there to picnic, fish and stuff," Patterson said. "Those memories can never be taken away. This place is truly a blessing."

Dave and Marilyn Rogers, both Ohioans who now call Russell, Ky., home, reflected on a few memories of their own.

"We swam and picnicked here for I don't know how many years," Dave said. "It looks good now. The access is a great improvement."

"I think it is a great asset," Marilyn added.

Mike Baines served as Ironton District Ranger from 1999 until 2003 before

transferring to the Monongahela National Forest in Elkins, W. Va. Baines played an instrumental role in starting many of the Lake Vesuvius projects.

"It is really nice to think about the community interaction we had for this idea that was spawned and to see it come to fruition," he said. "One of my greatest fears is that the people will see this as the end result. This is just the foundation."

Though it is now Chrismer's vision that will guide the district, Baines said he thinks the future will hold more handicapped accessibility, campground improvements and much more.

Departing from the look to the future, a new historical marker, thanks to the Friends of Freedom Society and its Ohio Underground Railroad Association, was dedicated that put the Vesuvius furnace in context an continued the theme of memories.

The Vesuvius Iron Furnace operated from 1833 to 1906, blasting 24-hours to produce more than 10 tons each day. The iron was used to build cannons, ships, wagon wheels, nails, skillets and countless other kitchen utensils.

Probably equally as important, the furnace companies also played key roles in helping former slaves strive for a better life.

Dave Holland, director of recreation, heritage and wilderness for the USFS in Washington D.C., talked of the importance in building a connection between the people and the land to help shape the future.

"Making the past come alive is an integral part of the recreational experiences," Holland said. "I have heard it said that a land without ruins is a land without memories. One of the things we try to do when we come to WNF is create great memories they can take away with them."