JULY 30, 2015
Chairman stresses importance of attending
The Friends of Yatesville Lake (FOYL), a non-profit group which formed last year, will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, August 4, at 6:00 pm at the Lawrence County Community Center.
The purpose of the group is to make more things available at the lake and surrounding area, increase activity and tourism, and help the biggest outdoor recreational asset in Lawrence County reach it’s maximum potential.
The Kentucky State Park system has cut back funding and cannot apply for grants, nor can the US Army Corp of Engineers. However, a private organization can, and that’s what the FOYL plans to do, along with support of the community, businesses, and individuals.
The FOYL Chairman, Bill Richards, stressed the importance of attending this meeting. “We need more members in this group. We currently have a few very dedicated individuals, but we need more help” he said. The meeting will also serve as a membership drive. An individual membership is only $20 per year, and a family membership is $25.
There are also different levels of annual sponsorship for businesses, organizations or individuals: The Greenbriar–Contribution of $150-$299.99, Little Blaine–$300-$499.99, Eagle Ridge–$500-$999.99, and The Golden Bald Eagle–$1,000 or greater.
The goals of the organization are:
(1) To and promote recreational opportunities at Yatesville Lake
(2) Promote local business
(3) Participate in and support projects that benefit natural resources
(4) Provide the community and visitors with information relevant to Yatesville Lake
(5) Assist the US Army Corp of Engineers in promoting water safety
(6) Promote educational opportunities at Yatesville Lake.
Richards said they have already started one project; ‘adopt a habitat,’ in which the LCHS Football team will be responsible for a section at the lake by keeping it clean, picking up trash, etc. “We hope to get other school teams and community organizations to participate as well.”
Besides the Adopt a Habitat program, other short term plans and projects include more signs at the county campground, developing a brochure, playground improvements at the marina, additional picnic tables and benches, horseshoes and cornhole additions, and a scoreboard at the golf course.
Mid-term projects include bike trails, a website, new pontoons, addition of kayak/canoe/johnboat rentals, landscaping and water station improvements.
Long term goals the group would like to see are an interactive Wi-Fi trail, a Triatholon, more shelters, addition of gazebos, volleyball and basketball courts, more boat slips and maybe eventually a lodge, if a private investor could be found.
Anyone who is interested in seeing any of these projects completed is encouraged to come to the August 4th meeting.
