DeWine, ODNR officially break ground on new state park in Greene County

Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ONDR) Director Mary Mertz broke ground Monday on Ohio’s 76th state park on Great Council State Park, in Greene County.

>>Photos: Gov DeWine and ODNR State Park Groundbreaking

“This is an exciting step toward preserving an important piece of Ohio’s history,” said Governor DeWine.

Great Council State Park will be located in one of the largest known Shawnee settlements in Ohio. It will feature a 12,000 square-foot interpretative center with an architectural design traditional council house form that was historically used by the Shawnee tribes, a media release said.

“This project gives us the unique opportunity to connect generations with the past, while protecting the legacy of the Shawnee and inviting them to share their story,” DeWine said.

Inside the center, visitors will find three floors of exhibits, a theater area, a living stream and a gallery as these displays will honor the Shawnee tribes, the release said.

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“This new center will be an educational tool that can take visitors into the past and inspire an appreciation for another time,” said Director Mertz.

The facility is expected to open in 2023. ODNR is working with three federally-recognized Shawnee Tribes to develop the property.