T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM The Tappan Lake Marina is set to receive renovations in the fall.

SCIO — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District board approved a $6.1 million renovation project for the Tappan Marina to begin this fall.

The MWCD, which plans to upgrade the facility, owns and operates the Tappan Marina. According to the MWCD, improvements at the facility actually began in 2017 with the installation of more than 200 new boat slips and the addition of 36 more in 2018.

Adria Bergeron, public affairs administrator for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, said the marina will undergo a major overhaul of its existing building. The goal is to begin renovations immediately following Labor Day, she said.

The multi-million dollar renovation project will include the development of the Latitude 40 Restaurant at the Tappan Marina, featuring indoor and outdoor seating for up to 250 people. The outdoor seating will include a covered deck overlooking Tappan Lake. The restaurant is located in the upstairs of the marina. It recently opened last month and currently seats around 80 people. The restaurant is operated by Kent and Cindy Murray, who have been involved in the design process of the brand-new facility.

The renovations will also include the lower level of the marina and adjacent waterfront areas, making it easier and more accessible for the public to reach their docks, rent boats and buy fuel, bait, snacks and boating supplies. Planners intend to improve Americans with Disabilities Act access by installing elevators.

Bergeron said they also plan to improve the facility’s parking, lighting, signage, utilities and landscaping. The site will feature elements of green infrastructure, including storm water management and vegetative filter strips to protect the water quality of Tappan lake. Workers will be installing a geothermal energy system to reduce utility costs.

The boat sales, provided by Keith Ott and Ohio Valley Boats, also will have a new home. They will occur in a completely renovated sales and showroom building that will reside next to the main marina building.

Bergeron said that renovations and improvements will help attract more visitors to the marina.

“Especially with the location on (U.S.) 250, we truly believe it will be great,” she said.

All of the renovations are set to begin in the fall and to be completed by spring 2020. The marina will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony once the renovations are complete.

Tappan Lake Marina is located at 33315 Cadiz-Dennison Road in Scio.