County parks enjoying success

Though it's barely the middle of August, the summer recreation season starts to wind down with high school sports starting practice and a new school year just around the corner.

It appears that despite the lack of rain over the past couple of months, the parks in Kandiyohi County fared well, according to two of the system's managers.

"You couldn't have asked for nicer weather as far as camping goes," said Terry Clark, manager at County Park #5 on the northeast end of Green Lake near Spicer. "The park has taken a little beating because we haven't had any rain."

Clark, who has run the park for the last three seasons, said the drought hasn't affected reservations at all. He's been at capacity for his 54 electrical sites during the important weekend rushes.

"We've had a lot of weeklong reservations; people spending their summer vacation out here," he said.

Todd Anderson, manager of County Park #3 at Diamond Lake north of Kandiyohi, noted the same full roster.

"Campgrounds have been extremely full this season," he said.

Park #3 has 70 campsites and most have electrical hookups.

What this summer's moisture-challenged landscape has affected is the look of the lawns and the depth of the lakes.

"It's a lot easier to mow the lawn," Anderson laughed. "The lake is holding up great. There was only one day that there was an algae bloom and that was in June."

Clark said he's had to make few adjustments.

"The lake has gone down quite a bit, but it's a big lake," he said. "I've had to move some of docks and boat lifts."

Both managers said business has been just as good, or even better, than last season. Unfortunately, the days of summer are getting shorter.

"I can't put my finger on when, but in the next few weeks it will change," Anderson said. "School is right around the corner."

Other Kandiyohi County Parks include Park #1 and Park #2, both on Big Kandiyohi Lake, and Park #7, on Games Lake near New London.

For more information on the county parks, visit the website at www. www.co.kandiyohi.mn.us/depts/cntypark.htm .