IRONTON — Wayne National Forest will close a trio of campgrounds in the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area on Tuesday, Oct. 13 to start construction on a project that will renovate all three sites.

The $1.4 million renovation project will allow construction crews to widen and lengthen individual camp sites while installing new fire rings, picnic tables and light posts. Two existing bath houses will also be demolished and replaced with new facilities.

Closing will be the Oak Hill, Pine Knob and Two Points campgrounds. The Iron Ridge campground and shelter rentals will remain open to the public until Sunday, Nov. 1.

“We regret the inconvenience to our customers,” says District Ranger Tim Slone, “But we’re excited about the updated facilities and look forward, along with the whole community, to our re-opening.”

Pike County based Diaz Construction of Piketon, Ohio was awarded the U.S. Forest Service construction contract for the renovation. Construction is scheduled to be finished sometime in the summer of 2010.

Those seeking additional information can call the Ironton Ranger District at (740) 534-6500.