Donations for the Matt Maupin Welcome Pavilion at East Fork State Park can be sent to: Clermont Crew Attn: Treasurer 1413 Lake Allen Rd. Batavia, OH 45103 For more information, call 513-505-6907.

Matt Maupin Pavilion and Finish Tower

To better serve rowing and other events on the beach at East Fork State Park's Harsha Lake, a group of community leaders and citizens from Clermont County and surrounding areas have been developing plans for a new pavilion and a lighthouse tower. The pavilion would serve not only regattas, but also picnics, weddings, reunions, and more. The tower would provide platforms for rowing judges and anchor a unique destination play/exercise location at the beach.

The Matt Maupin Welcome Pavilion would be built at the center of the beach lawn where the hospitality tent is customarily placed for rowing events. The large open pavilion would feature beautiful and durable stone supports with a stone fireplace and cooking area in one corner, and a slightly elevated stage for awards ceremonies, performers, or speakers in another. This pavilion would honor our Clermont County serviceman Matt Maupin, the only U.S. soldier currently (as of April 2005) listed as missing-in-action in Iraq. Matt was a rower for the Clermont High Schools Crew in May 2001, when he and his crew won a gold medal at the Midwest Championship at this very site. He disappeared in Iraq in April 2004.

Designs for this capital improvement are being developed by Len Bonomini and KBA, Inc. / Architects, a firm that has been located in Clermont County since its founding in 1991.

The Lighthouse Tower would be constructed at water's edge on the finish line. The structure is designed to be a facility for the judging and timing of rowing events. At the base, the nautilus shaped ramp encompasses a children's play area. Taking the form of a wave crashing against the tower, the design implies movement while remaining a steadfast structure. The tower itself is constructed of concrete, stone, steel, and metal panels giving it durability and a sense of permanence. The wave form, which doubles as a sunshade, is constructed of fabric. Standing 40 to 50 feet high, the tower would have an open observation area for cameras and announcers at the top, a covered space for rowing event judges, and an interior level for timing electronics and results. A circular play area surrounding the tower would include a water slide, climbing wall, swings and other exercise equipment which could be stored in the inner tower when not in use. This lighthouse tower would honor people of vision from here in Clermont County and Cincinnati, who themselves honored generations of our rowers and provided inspiration, such as Ed Parish, Jim Sauls, Ted Gregory, Candace Kendle, and so many others. The tower symbolizes their vision and would include an appropriate plaque to remind future rowers about the importance of dedication and determination.

David VonderBrink of PDT Architecture/Planning/Interior Design is developing the design for the tower. PDT has been in business for 55 years and has been responsible for such Cincinnati landmarks as the Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Rookwood Commons, and Shilitos Lofts.