VAN WERT COUNTY, Ohio (WLIO) - Drivers passing through Van Wert on US 30 will now have a newly rebuilt rest area to visit.
Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation cut the ribbon on Friday to celebrate the brand new facility. Van Wert is one of 33 rest stops across Ohio that are getting revamped as part of DeWine's project. The remodels include larger restrooms with adult changing tables for those with disabilities, as well as a storybook trail for kids to get out and explore during long car rides.
Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation cut the ribbon on Friday to celebrate the brand new facility.
"We're trying to keep these really clean; we have the storybook trail, which again, is an opportunity for people to get out and walk, for little kids to read a story as they go," said DeWine. "You'll see these are all native plants and flowers native to the state of Ohio. It's just a very pleasant place."
"This location in particular, a 'gateway' rest area as we call it, you have travelers coming in from out of state," said Chris Hughes, deputy director of ODOT district 1. "This has some particular importance to really advertise Ohio and all Ohio has to offer to travelers."
Van Wert is one of 33 rest stops across Ohio that are getting revamped as part of DeWine's project.
The state hopes that these welcome-center style rest stops will help boost local tourism and interest those drivers passing through.
