County reviews sites for new cabins

Locations are being considered for the two new housekeeping cabins planned for Three Mile Lake.

According to Union County Conservation Director Doug Jones last week, multiple sites have been selected and each will undergo a review to determine the best, overall location. Jones said reviews will be held through the rest of the month.

Housekeeping cabins will be able to hold multiple people with bedrooms, bathrooms, climate control systems and be open year round. Union County’s newest lodging facilities will be similar in use to what is at Lake Icaria north of Corning in Adams County which have been popular for years.

Union County Board of Supervisors approved spending $720,000 of the county’s American Rescue Plan funds for the two housekeeping cabins at Three Mile Lake. The funding was from the federal government’s $2.37 million for Union County to make up for loss funds during the COVID pandemic.

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, and the ensuing unofficial start to summer, the new lodging at the lake won’t be ready for this year. Jones is planning for them to be ready for the 2024 spring or summer. Those who attend the lake this year may be able to watch the construction and make their plans for 2024.

“These would offer a lot more amenities, more area and don’t have to go outside to use restroom,” Jones had told the supervisors during his meetings. The design for Union County is in use in Scott County.

Jones said the considered sites is the campground at Three Mile Lake using existing infrastructure to get to them.

“We could consider putting them on the hill, line up with the ones we have there. Everybody wants to be down by the water. Get the cottage, get the lake, close access. Walk down to the shore line and fish and have your own private dock. That’s the way we’d like to do them,” he said.

Jones said all lodging revenue at Three Mile Lake averages $160,000 a year. The amount jumped to $230,000 during the pandemic as it forced people to do more outdoor, recreation activities.