Officials at Heflen Park in German Township are considering expanding the available campsite. Bartholomew County Park Director Rich Day recently announced the completion of efforts to preserve the park’s camping area, funded by a $68,000 Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant and additional local funding totaling $3,210 for vegetation management.
The project in Indiana, which included extensive work to counteract water erosion along the banks of the Driftwood River, was primarily executed by county staff with assistance from Blue’s Canoes and the Bartholomew County Soil and Water Conservation District. Over the past decade, erosion has led to a recession of the river banks.
According to a The Republic report, park officials are also planning to expand the number of available campsites. Proposals are in place to add six to eight new sites on the dam’s backside and potentially four more if an easement between Heflen and Newton Park for a walking trail is approved.
Heflen Park, a sprawling 35-acre expanse, offers an outdoor experience and is open to the public from Memorial Weekend through September. It features an overnight campground, ideal for both seasoned campers and newcomers.
Additional facilities enrich the camping experience, including two shelter houses for gatherings, a fishing lake, and diverse hiking trails that cater to various fitness levels. For those interested in sports, the park provides well-maintained basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe areas, and an all-purpose playing field suitable for a range of activities.
However, a more pressing issue has surfaced concerning the park’s sewage collection system. Originally designed in the late 1980s to support 26 campsites and shelter house events, the system now supports 37 campsites, along with park offices, thus operating beyond its intended capacity. Consulting engineer Charlie Day from DLZ Indiana highlighted that not only is the system overburdened, but it was also improperly installed, complicating efforts to simply extend its capacity.
The park considered increasing the septic system’s capacity by extending the septic fingers and tanks. However, this modification would require permits and approval from the Indiana Department of Health.
Heflen Park’s recent enhancements and expansion plans provide an example of proactive management that campground owners and operators can learn from. This highlights the importance of assessing and upgrading critical infrastructure before expansion to avoid operational disruptions and ensure compliance with health regulations.
To learn more about Bartholomew County Park, visit bartholomew.in.gov.