Lake Improvement Association Reports Progress on Wetlands, Playground and Lake Projects

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The Lake Improvement Association is reporting continued progress on projects around Grand Lake St. Marys, including a new all-abilities playground, expanded wetlands projects and improvements aimed at protecting the lake's water quality.

At the September meeting of the Lake Improvement Association, members reported that the association currently has $62,316.42 in its checking account and another $5,287.68 in the St. Marys Community Foundation. The association still owes $25,175 for the playground servicing installation at East Bank, leaving an effective balance of approximately $42,429.

The association recently completed several smaller recreational projects, including installation of a bench swing near the playground at Sunset Beach and another set of concrete cornhole boards at East Bank.

One of the largest projects has now been completed at East Bank with the installation of an all-abilities playground. The playground has been seeded and surfaced, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 16 at 11 a.m. as part of the Lake Improvement Association's annual Kids Fishing Derby.

The playground project had a total value of more than $180,000. Association officials thanked the community partners and sponsors whose contributions helped make the project possible.

The Kids Fishing Derby, which is for developmentally disabled children, is expected to bring several hundred participants from approximately three or four counties. Volunteers are needed for the event, including people willing to help prepare and serve food. Organizers are also seeking homemade cookies, with a request that the cookies contain no nuts.

Wetlands showing significant nutrient reductions

Dr. Stephen Jacquemin provided an update on the lake's wetlands and water quality.

Water began flowing through the wetlands around April 1. As of July 31, the wetlands had processed approximately 650 million gallons of water.

Jacquemin said the wetlands are producing significant reductions in nutrients and sediment. Combined, the wetlands have averaged approximately a 66 percent reduction in dissolved nitrogen, a 45-to-50 percent reduction in dissolved phosphorus, and a 65-to-70 percent reduction in sediment and particulate nutrients.

One wetland that has performed particularly well during its first year of operation is the Red Wing Creek wetland near the Red Wing Trail. Jacquemin said it had processed approximately 15 to 20 million gallons of water by the end of July.

The Coldwater Creek, Prairie Creek, Beaver Creek and Big Chickasaw Creek wetlands continue to handle the largest volumes of water.

A new lift station at Beaver Creek is also expected to be installed soon. The additional pumping capacity could allow the wetland to process roughly twice as much water next year.

Jacquemin also discussed the unusually wet summer and its impact on the lake's watershed.

August brought approximately 9.2 inches of precipitation, compared with a normal August total of about 2.9 inches, according to figures cited from NOAA. That increased rainfall has resulted in substantially higher flows in area streams and increased nutrient loading into Grand Lake St. Marys.

Despite those conditions, Jacquemin said algae levels have remained below the long-term average for most of the year.

He emphasized that the wetlands are particularly important during unusually wet periods because they provide natural filtration and help buffer the lake from increased runoff and nutrient loads.

More wetlands planned

Work is also moving forward on a new Barnes Creek wetlands project.

Jacquemin said funding has been secured through H2Ohio and an Ohio EPA Section 319 award, with construction currently scheduled for 2027. Final designs are underway.

The Barnes Creek wetland will be the first major wetland project serving that tributary, which is located on the south side of the lake near Sloopy's Bar and Grill and the township house.

Officials estimate the new wetland could potentially treat nearly half of the water coming from Barnes Creek.

At Prairie Creek, an observation structure is expected to be installed once the ground dries out. The structure will provide visitors with an elevated view of the wetland.

State park updates

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager Dave Faler reported that the lake level was 7.25 inches above the spillway.

August rainfall totaled 8.67 inches, with another 0.66 inches recorded the morning of the meeting. Total rainfall for 2026 stood at 29.12 inches, compared with 20.65 inches at the same point in 2025.

Faler said the state park campground has remained extremely busy, with the campground full most weekends since May. He said the park has also received numerous compliments about the condition of the campground and park, as well as the new West Bank playground.

Construction continues on a new camp store and office. Framing and rough plumbing have been completed, electrical work has begun, and the roof sheeting and moisture barrier are in place. Asphalt work around the building is scheduled for later in September, with the steel roof expected to begin this month.

Construction of the new restroom at Fry's also continues. Despite delays caused by the heavy August rainfall, the concrete block walls, rafters and steel roof are in place.

The park's fall festival is scheduled for the following weekend, with craft vendors, food trucks and children's activities.

Dredging continues

Faler also provided an update on the lake's dredging program.

The dredge Hodag is currently pumping at Harbor Point, while Brutus has moved from the shop channel to the sailboat club channel. Dredged material will be available at the maintenance area for residents who need it.

More than 106,000 cubic yards of material have been removed so far this year, according to the figures presented at the meeting.

Additional concrete is also being accepted at Windy Point, with plans to begin accepting concrete at East Beach later this fall along the concrete break wall.

The Lake Improvement Association continues to encourage residents to suggest projects that could benefit Grand Lake St. Marys. Association officials said funds raised through events such as the annual Barstool Open, membership and other activities are intended to be put back into projects that improve the lake and surrounding community.