Contributed CENTER PLANNED — The Tappan Regional Safety Center is scheduled to open in September.

SCIO — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District held a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 31 for the new Tappan Regional Safety Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to strengthen collaboration and training among regional emergency services and enhance public safety across the Tappan Lake area.

Located at 35400 Cadiz-Dennison Road in Scio, the $4.6 million project will feature a ranger training center and a new home for the Tappan Lake Volunteer Fire Department. These facilities will serve as a central hub for education, emergency response coordination, and community engagement.

“This project represents a major step forward in ensuring the safety and preparedness of our region,” said Craig Butler, MWCD executive director. “By creating a shared space for training and emergency operations, we’re not only improving response times and efficiency but also building a stronger connection among our local first responders and the communities they serve.”

The Tappan Regional Safety Center will feature collaborative training areas and classrooms designed to support law enforcement, fire and emergency personnel. The facility will include a helicopter landing zone to enhance medical transport capabilities and improve emergency response efficiency. In addition, the center will offer space for public outreach programs and educational events, strengthening community engagement and promoting safety awareness throughout the region. The new ranger training facility will help MWCD officers enhance law enforcement skills and readiness, while the TLVFD will benefit from modern facilities and shared resources for fire and rescue training.

Construction is expected to be completed by September.

“This investment underscores our commitment to the communities we serve,” added Pete Novotny, MWCD chief of recreation. “The Tappan Safety Center will be a cornerstone for emergency preparedness and a resource for collaboration across agencies.”