A.W. Marion State Park Dam Rehab Project Completed

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(Circleville) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has rededicated the A.W. Marion State Park dam to celebrate the completion of a $9.6 million rehabilitation project—an investment into the health and wellbeing of the surrounding area.

“We’re so proud of the work that went into rehabilitating the dam at A.W. Marion State Park,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Not only is the dam safer and easier to maintain, but it’s also part of the beautiful backdrop of the park for people to hike, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors.”

ODNR Director Mary Mertz joins staff from Division of Parks and Watercraft and Division of Engineering for dam rededication.

This project is the first major dam rehabilitation at Hargus Lake since 1956. It is vital for bringing the dam structure into compliance with modern dam safety standards. A new concrete spillway was installed, which increased the dam’s flow capacity by 60%. Additionally, the slope of the 1,500-foot-long embankment was flattened to improve long-term stability.

Design and construction administration services were provided by HDR Engineering, Inc., and The Ruhlin Company performed the construction using 110,000 cubic yards of earthfill, 1,800 cubic yards of concrete, and 18,000 cubic yards of sand and stone.

Boating and fishing opportunities abound at 145-acre Hargus Lake. Hand-powered vessels and boats with electric motors are allowed, and the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish.

A.W. Marion State Park offers rolling woodlands alongside the quiet waters of Hargus Lake. Once part of the state’s prairie peninsula, the park’s 310 acres showcase a variety of native landscapes and wildlife. A great way to see the park is to hike the Hargus Lake Trail, which traverses the entire lake shoreline. Camping, picnicking, hunting, and more are available at the park.