Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager Highlights Water Safety, Park Improvements And Summer Recreation

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager Dave Faler is reminding visitors to keep safety in mind as summer activity continues on the lake and throughout the state park.

Faler said water safety is always important, especially when the wind picks up. He said the lake can become rough quickly, and boaters should use caution when conditions change.

He also reminded boaters that if something falls off a boat, they should let it go or turn around and come back for it, rather than trying to stop suddenly or reach for it in an unsafe way.

Faler also reminded visitors that alcohol is not allowed on the lake. He said officers monitor that closely, and violations are handled similarly to an OVI on the road.

Faler also highlighted several improvements around Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. He said the park has added several playgrounds over the last decade, including a new playground at West Bank, which is the first playground in that area of the park’s history. That project was supported by the Lake Improvement Association and the Grand Lake Rec Club. A shelter house was also added nearby.

More playground improvements are also coming. Faler said an ADA-accessible playground is planned for East Bank near shelter house one, with a poured-in-place rubber fall zone. A new playground has also been purchased for the campground.

With the Governor’s Cup Regatta taking place on Grand Lake, Faler also reminded boaters to respect the race perimeter. He said there is a safety zone in place for a reason, especially with boats moving at high speeds.

Faler also discussed lake conditions and recreation. He said visitors should avoid areas that look like paint has been poured on top of the water. Anyone who comes into contact with that water should shower as soon as possible. He also said people can still boat and fish on the lake while avoiding direct contact with the water.

Faler said there are still plenty of fishing opportunities on Grand Lake, including regular perch stocking and the addition of triploid saugeye last year.

Several capital improvement projects are also underway. Faler said a new office and camp store are currently being built and are expected to be completed around the end of March. Once that project is complete, the current office and camp store will be removed.

He also said the last pit toilet on the Grand Lake St. Marys State Park property is being removed and replaced with a new restroom. The new facility will include two family units, including one with an adult changing station.

Faler also said funding has been included for repaving East Bank Road. Planning is also underway for work connected to the littoral wetland walls, with more updates expected in the future for the East Bank Marina area.

Faler said the Lake Improvement Association continues to be a good resource for residents who want updates on lake levels, water quality and related projects.