May 29, 2025 The Beacon • 7
Ribbon cut at the Joe Balo Landing in Conesville
By Marianne Austin The Beacon
A ribbon cutting symbolizes something new. Like cutting a ribbon on a present, it builds anticipation with the promise of something exciting— likewise with the ribboncutting ceremony on May 19 at the 14.7-acre location for the new Joe Balo Landing in Conesville.
“ I want to welcome everyone here today,” said Marge Donley, board chairman.“ This is very exciting for our recreation board. This has been 3 1 / 2 years in the making. We are super-excited to finally be on the road.”
Donley welcomed State Rep. Mark Hiner; Nathan Johnson, field representative for U. S. Rep. Troy Balderson; Mayor Mark Mills; County Commissioners Dane Shryock, Gary Fischer and Bob Bigrigg; and Tiffany Swigert from the port authority. Anthony Basil and Erich Skelley from the Frontier Group of Companies also were recognized.
“ The Conesville Industrial Park would not be happening without their generous donation of this 14.72 acres,” Donley said. Hiner presented a framed special recognition award for Franklin Township.
“ To the Conesville Village Joint Recreation Board, you are deserving of high praise for the opening of Joe Balo’ s Landing, and it will be exuberantly celebrated, located on nearly 15 acres of land donated by the Frontier Group,” Hiner said.“ This new boat dock on the Muskingum River will increase recreational opportunities and aid local first responders. Great care and considerable resources have been invested in bringing this project to fruition, and in the years to come, this fine addition to the district is sure to gain the appreciation of many, thereby enhancing the quality of life within the surrounding area.”
Larry Boals commended Todd Drown for his role in the project.
“ If he hadn’ t been so enthusiastic in taking the initial steps, setting up the meeting and all the subsequent things, we might not be standing here,” Boals said.“ It’ s a great day. This
Marianne Austin
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 19 at the 14.7-acre location for the new Joe Balo Landing in Conesville.
all started several years ago. Todd mentioned the idea for a park—‘ Want to take a trip up to Buffalo, New York and see these folks?’— that brought the power plant over here. It went really well, so Todd, I am forever grateful to you, as I know the community will be. Thank you.
Joe Balo Landing, what a nice ring that has to it. I knew Joe Balo well, all my life. He would make his way up to the store every morning almost up until he was 100 years old and go in and talk with everyone. That was fun, a lot to talk about, old stories, one thing and another. It was just very enjoyable. I’ m very happy in the fact that we dedicated this park in Joe’ s memory. He was an integral part of our community and knew everybody. It is well that we remember him today.”
Drown said,“ This is the day we officially open
a new park that will serve as a gateway to recreation, conservation and economic growth on the mighty Muskingum River. There are many people who made today possible. If it wasn’ t for the Conesville Industrial Park LLC, we wouldn’ t be here. This park began as a vision, but it is being built and nurtured by volunteers in cooperative efforts between local government and between government and private enterprise. This park is being built with the heart of a community that cares about its future, and this park is being built as a testament to a man who dedicated more than 40 years of public service to our community: Conesville Mayor Joe Balo. Joe Balo Landing will stand as a testament to what we can accomplish.”
Bigrigg said,“ This piece of 14.75 acres is truly a generational piece of real estate. Being in front of what is happening here sets a vision for the future and how we can utilize it. This will make it for all the people of Coshocton County. So thank you all. Thank you to the Frontier Group. What a great honor it is to have this park named the Joe Balo Landing. Forty years plus of being the mayor of Conesville, what a great service right there.”
Annual
Coshocton
HOT AIR BALLOON
FESTIVAL June 5-7, 2025
COSHOCTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
707 Kenilworth Ave. Coshocton, OH 43812
Marianne Austin
State Rep. Mark Hiner presented a framed special recognition award for Franklin Township in honor of the new Joe Balo Landing.
Major Sponsor 19 Years, Frontier Power
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www. CoshoctonHotAirBalloonFestival. com
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