One of Creston’s attributes is its lakes. The one in particular within the city limits is obviously McKinley Lake. As an old timer but not a real old timer, I’ve seen many changes in the old lake. The Izaak Walton League of America used to maintain a building right next to the lake on the east side of McKinley. FYI — their motto: “defenders of soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife.” Sadly, the Creston chapter has been disbanded. I have no details on that, but we have to assume they were an active bunch of volunteers in their day. At one point people water skied and boated on McKinley. Today, it is a pristine and quiet lake that adds to the beauty of the city. No less important just serving a different perspective.
Summit Lake owned by Creston. One time it served as Creston’s water supply. Seems like it was privately maintained and is now used mainly for fishing and is open to the public. Check me on that one.
Much further away, about six to seven miles to east, Creston owns Twelve Mile Lake where its water supply is now located also used for public recreation.
More importantly, just three to four miles north of Creston, Green Valley State Park, site of public recreation in many forms including camping. I’ve been told that there are only two full time workers to maintain this state park. That’s a lot of territory to cover for just two men.
Due to the purge of diseased ash trees that need to be removed, the state employees have opened the removal of the trees to private individuals providing they remove the “meat” and stack up the brush created by it. Unfortunately, there are too many piles of brush to clear away in a timely fashion and camping time is coming up fast. I’m pretty sure the two guys who try to maintain the park would appreciate some volunteer to help clean up the brush the park. I do however own a hand rake and will do my best to help out.
This might be a good job for a father and son Boy Scout project. Ask the officers at the park if you can volunteer to help. I’m also sure they can provide a place to dump the brush so they can burn it off. We are lucky that we live in such a good vicinity surrounded by so many beautiful lakes.