COLUMBUS – Two weeks after being devastated by deadly tornadoes, Indian Lake State Park is reopening Friday.
Extensive damage to Fox Island will require ongoing cleanup efforts and modifications to no-wake zone areas will be implemented for added safety due to possible debris in the lake but the state park campground be open and honoring existing reservations, including those for the upcoming total solar eclipse, Gov. Mike DeWine and park manager Hiedie Whitman announced Wednesday.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff, local residents and volunteers from across Ohio worked to get the attraction reopened well ahead of start of the summer season.
“Indian Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for Ohioans and visitors to enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation, and its reopening is a step towards rebuilding our communities,” DeWine said.
The tornado, which was 1,000 yards wide and on the ground for 31 miles, inflicted widespread devastation not only to the state park but also the neighboring communities of Lakeview and Russells Point .
Red Cross offering financial help to victims
The Red Cross has begun to distribute individual financial assistance to help those who qualify to pay for a deposit on a new apartment, replace lost clothing or other belongings, cover transportation expenses or other urgent needs.
Anyone who would like to apply for assistance can call 1-800-RedCross or meet with the Red Cross at one of these Multi-Agency Resource Centers:
- The Lookout (behind Gathering Grounds)
337 East Main Street
Russells Point, Ohio 43348- Former Bridges Community Action Office
165 E. Lake Street
Lakeview, Ohio 43331The Multi Agency Resource Centers will be open until March 31, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
How to help
Financial donations are the quickest and best way to support people impacted by disasters, according to Red Cross officials.
People can make a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting the Red Cross website, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Central & Southern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross has received over 140 volunteer
applications since March 15.People can also make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review the most urgently needed volunteer positions and start the process of becoming a Red Cross volunteer.
“Our hearts ache for all those affected by the recent storm…Witnessing the incredible resilience and determination of this community to restore the park has been truly inspiring,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.
There are areas of the park that will not be able to open this week.
Extensive damage to Fox Island, including downed trees and a destroyed shelter house, will require further cleanup efforts and modifications will be implemented in no-wake zones for added safety due to possible debris in the lake. Additional buoys will placed between Paradise Island east to Orchard Island and from Orchard Island east to Moundwood.
“This has been an incredibly trying period for the Indian Lake community,” said Indian Lake State Park Manager Hiedie Whitman. “However, we have witnessed an outpouring of support from the community, local businesses and countless volunteers. While we are excited about the prospect of reopening the park, our thoughts are with this community, and we ask our visitors to respect our neighbors and friends during this terribly difficult time.”