Ferdinand Old Town Lake is Now Open to the Public

FROM LOCAL SOURCES

FERDINAND -- The Ferdinand Old Town Lake is now open for public use.

It’s great for fishing, hiking or using the new one-mile trail around the lake.

There are multiple locations on the trail where donated benches have been installed, and there is a rest area approximately halfway around the circuit.  A picnic table is located at that spot, to sit and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Park Board President Matt Weyer expressed considerable excitement about the re-opening, as the entire lake property has been closed to the public for well over a year to allow for the clearing of land and construction of the trail.  The trail, which has been in the planning stages for more than twenty years, was funded in part by a DNR grant awarded to the Park Department in 2016.

Temporary signage has been installed at the lake recognizing the many donors, with plans for a permanent sign in the works.  Weyer offered his and the Park Board’s thanks to the corporate partners involved with the project, including Universal Design, Seufert Construction and their sub-contractors, Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission, Indiana DNR and all donors who gave to the project, especially MasterBrand Cabinets.

According to Weyer, the construction of the trail and transformation of the old pump house into a usable shelter house concludes Phase 1 of the project.  Work on Phase 2 will commence with a fund-raising program.  Some of the items to be included in this phase are the construction of a restroom/storage facility, fishing pier, kayak launch, additional signage and the eventual paving of the entire trail.

Persons who wish to rent the shelter house at Old Town Lake may call 812-367-2280 and place their reservations.  Anyone with an interest in making a donation to future work at the lake may contact Matt Weyer directly at 812-630-3650.