Safety Upgrades Underway at Bass Lake Beach and Campground

Posted on July 20, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The Bass Lake Beach and Campground is getting some upgrades, after an inspection from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management turned up a few violations. The property is owned by Starke County and leased to operator Richard Callahan.

During Tuesday’s Starke County Park Board meeting, it was reported that work to bring the bath house into compliance with state regulations is wrapping up. Work on the site’s well and pump house was set to start later this week, once the necessary parts arrive. That will include the replacement of the pump house door, after the state inspectors recommended improving the building’s security.

As another safety improvement, the park board voted to demolish the property’s gazebo. Board member Debbie Mix suggested the measure, expressing concern that the structure was becoming a hazard, and the county lacks the funds to make repairs.

County Attorney Marty Lucas explained that the demolition would require the approval of the county commissioners, but due to the urgent nature of the situation, that approval could be obtained by phone, rather than in a public meeting.

In addition to those issues, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the county food inspector found that the site’s hot dog vendor didn’t have a license. However, that issue is believed to have been resolved.

A few Bass Lake residents in attendance during Tuesday’s meeting reported that the Bass Lake Beach and Campground site has noticeably improved over the past few months.