CANTON, Okla. — It has been more than a year and a half since a devastating tornado ripped through the Canadian Recreation Area at Canton Lake. The tornado caused significant damage to the area when it tore through the recreation area May 24, 2011, resulting in the indefinite closure of the campground.
Changes are on the horizon. The Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded a contract to begin the reconstruction of the Canadian “A” Area campground. The contract was awarded to Asset Group, Inc. of Oklahoma City, Okla.
The initial phase will see the completion of 43 new campsites, complete with 50 amp electric service, concrete RV pads, and water hookup, Work will include the installation of a new courtesy boat dock, and a playground. Work is set to begin within the next few weeks. If funding becomes available, the final phase would call for the complete restoration of the campground which would bring the total number of campsites back to 77.
Countless hours have gone into making the area ready so reconstruction could begin. Since the tornado, Corps employees, with the help of many individual volunteers, volunteer groups, and private contractors have provided cleanup and site preparation. Cimarron Electric has completed the installation of the main underground electric line to the campground and to the group shelter in the day-use area. Visitors will also note the addition of two new restroom facilities which have just been added to replace the two buildings that were destroyed.