Blennerhassett Island opening Monday
Delayed because of flooding, Blennerhassett Island State Park will open on Monday. (Photo Provided)
Mud at Civitan Park in Belpre after the April floods with Blennerhassett Island in the background. Delayed because of flooding, Blennerhassett Island State Park will open on Monday. The mansion and artifacts were unaffected, but the concession stand will be inaccessible to visitors this year, the state said. (Photo by Art Smith)
Delayed because of flooding, Blennerhassett Island State Park will open on Monday. (Photo Provided)
Mud at Civitan Park in Belpre after the April floods with Blennerhassett Island in the background. Delayed because of flooding, Blennerhassett Island State Park will open on Monday. The mansion and artifacts were unaffected, but the concession stand will be inaccessible to visitors this year, the state said. (Photo by Art Smith)
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PARKERSBURG -- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park will open on Monday, state officials announced Thursday.
The opening was originally scheduled for April 26, but was postponed because of flooding last month and the park encountered challenges in navigating the river to transport necessary equipment and in managing the aftermath of the flooding, according to Brett McMillion, director of the Division of Natural Resources.
"The high waters posed significant difficulties, including debris being washed up onto park grounds, requiring the removal of large trees obstructing public walkways," McMillion said. "Furthermore, the swift flow of the Ohio River resulted in the erosion of roadways, requiring extensive reconstruction efforts."
Flood water also got into lower buildings, leaving behind mud that required thorough cleaning, he said. The Blennerhassett Mansion and its artifacts remained unaffected, but the concession stand sustained substantial damage, rendering it inaccessible to visitors this year, McMillion said.
"I would like to recognize our dedicated staff at Blennerhassett Island State Park, who have worked tirelessly to clean and repair the damage that resulted from the aftermath of storms and the recent flooding of the Ohio River," he said. "Their hard work will ensure that our valued guests and visitors to the island will experience a safe and enjoyable visit upon reopening on May 6."
Ticket prices for the boat trip to the island will be $12 for adults and $10 for children, with the mansion tour at $5. The horse-wagon ride provided by Hardly Able Carriage Co. will be $12.
The park will operate from Tuesday through Sunday, with the first boat departing from Point Park at 10 a.m. and subsequent departures on an hourly basis. The last return trip from the island will be at 4:30 pm.
The park is closed on Mondays for maintenance and repairs.
"We apologize for any inconvenience caused and look forward to hosting you this season at Blennerhassett Island State Park," park Superintendent Craig Pyles said. "Exciting events are planned, including the Rendezvous On the River on May 11 and 12, the Birds Of Prey exhibition by Three Rivers Avian on June 16 and our signature event, Mansion by Candlelight, on October 11 and 12."