Bike Path

One of the most used, and popular, facilities at Indian Lake State Park is the bike path. As a result of feedback from users that the path from Old Field beach to Lakeview is in need of repair, Manager Helgeson applied for a Recreation Trail grant requesting funding for re-paving. The Director of ODNR recently announced that the grant was being recommended for funding. The project will be scheduled once funds are released by the Federal Highway Administration.

Memorial Tree Program

Indian Lake's memorial tree program, "Trees for Indian Lake" continues to be popular. This fall persons wanting living memorials for loved ones donated over 20 trees. The tree program will begin again in 2005. A memorial tree is planted by the park rangers in designated areas with a dedication plague. Several tree choices are available along with pricing.

Holloween Campout

The 5th annual Halloween will be held October 15, 16, & 17th this year.. We expect a full campground for this event. Activities included face painting, field games, scarecrow decorating, campsite decorating, pumpkin carving, a "Jail and Bail", trick or treat through the campground, ham and bean dinner, hayrides and a "Fright Hike". Campers go all out during this campout. Many hours are spent decorating campsites and coming up with some very creative costumes. This event is a joint effort between park staff and park VIPs The area business community is very generous in providing contest prizes for all events. To see some photos from the Halloween Campout, click here.

This summer the new Swinging Ladder dredge is completing projects at Chippewa Marina. Our largest dredge, the 14" suction dredge, the "Indian," finished deepening channels on the north side of the lake and is dredging at O'Connors washout. The two clamshell dredges are constructing a dredge spoil site at Pew Island for future dredging channels in the Seminole Island and Sunset Island area. This project is a challenge, as we do not want to jeopardise the natural and recreational integrity of Pew Island.

The park is also working with a Shawnee Island community group on plans for future dredging along the shoreline between Governor's and Shawnee Islands.

Campground Repairs

Maintenance personnel wored on several improvements in the campground to further customer service. outdated bathroom and shower fixtures will be replaced, hand dryers will be repaired and replaced, and shower house roofs will be re-shingled.

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Capital Improvement Schedule

Replacement of Chippewa Marina docks and seawall are in progress. Campground sewer lines in C-area and nature center arel being replaced this summer. Repair of the spillway is funded and on the ODNR priority list. The project has yet to be scheduled as other statewide dams and spillways are also in need of repair.

Wetlands

Many people think of wetlands as swamps and mosquitoes. Wetlands, however, can be very beautiful and play an important role in nature. They provide habitat for waterfowl, fur bearing animals and fish. Wetlands improve water quality by filtering out pollutants - they are often referred to as "nature's kidneys". Wetlands can help prevent floods.

Two new Wetlands have been constructed at Indian Lake State Park

South of the nature center - will be used in programs for students in schools participating in water quality education programs. A dock platform has been installed on the wetland so students can make first hand observations

East of the lake - This much larger wetland is located next to the O'Connor Farm. It will be part of a large prairie/wetland demonstration and education area.