Shown here is a rendering of the planned Appalachia Ecotone and Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center and Inland Waterways Maritime Complex in Sardis.

SARDIS – The former Riverside Golf Course along the Ohio River, just north of Sardis is slated to be transformed into some exciting new things.

The site is expected to become the new location for a visitors center, the Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center and Inland Waterways Maritime Complex.

The existing golf clubhouse will be renovated and used for the project. There will also be a new fishing pond, amphitheater/outdoor event space, walking trails and construction of other outdoor recreational features.

The Broken Timber Education Center is currently located at the Hannibal Industrial Park. The new site will offer more opportunities for education in gun safety training, conservation training, fishing and the many other activities they provide.

The project is being made possible thanks to funding secured by the Monroe County Commission from the state of Ohio’s Appalachian Community Grant Program. Additional state and federal grant opportunities will be pursued to bring the project to completion.

Several groups came together to develop these plans including the Monroe County Commission, Appalachia Ecotone, Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Sons and Daughters of the Pioneer Rivermen, Monroe County Park District, Mountwest Community College, Designer Mike Thomas who donated his time to help design, Swiss Valley Associates, Wallace Pancher Group, and V2A Architects.

Renovation of the future Inland Waterways Maritime Complex, amphitheater, pond and improvements to the Broken Timber Building is being made possible by a $2,673,700 grant. Another $4.4 million came from the Eastern Ohio Appalachian Grant.

The name of the property will be Appalachia Ecotone because of the Appalachian Community Grant Program along with the $407,000 matching funds from Monroe County used to purchase the property for development.

Several other outdoor possibilities will be added as the funding becomes available.

The Visitors Center will offer a welcoming hub with convenient restroom facilities and guest services, ensuring a seamless experience for all. The beautifully landscaped rear lawn, overlooking the river, will be available for rent, providing a stunning venue for weddings, outdoor events, and special occasions. Inside, visitors will immerse themselves in engaging educational programs, interactive museum exhibits, and a maritime training academy. Whether you’re a tourist, local resident, or visiting for an event, the center promises an enriching experience that will blend history, education, and breathtaking scenery.

The Maritime Academy made up of The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen and Mountwest College of Huntington, West Virginia, have joined forces to revolutionize maritime education in Ohio. Together, they’re launching a state-of-the-art Maritime Academy, offering comprehensive training programs for current and aspiring towboat employees and mariners. This innovative partnership will equip current employees and students with essential skills, including pilothouse simulator training, radar certifications, and deckhand training ensuring a continuous supply of highly qualified professionals to meet the growing demands of the river industry.

The center will be home to a world-class collection of river and steamboat artifacts, owned by the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.

In partnership with the Ohio History Connection, the organization will provide educational exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities for maritime academy participants and guests. A public pilothouse simulator will allow visitors of all ages to experience the thrill of steering a towboat.

Engaging programs and events, tailored to seniors and children alike, will explore various topics, making the center a hub for education and engaging experiences.