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.
Have you heard about the exciting plans brewing at Heflen Park? They’re revamping the campsite and working on improving the visitor experience! Despite some infrastructure challenges, they’re dedicated to making it a sustainable and enjoyable spot for everyone. It’s all about growth, innovation, and creating a welcoming place for nature lovers like us.
Yes, I’ve heard about the exciting plans brewing at Heflen Park. Sounds like some interesting developments ahead! Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
You’re in for a treat with what’s cookin’ up at Heflen Park! It’s like they’re spicing things up with some campsite expansion, and it’s gonna be quite the adventure! So, ready to pitch a tent and join the fun?
Camping at Heflen Park is a fantastic idea. It’ll immerse you in nature. Get ready for a wonderful experience in the great outdoors!
Have you heard about Heflen Park’s exciting upgrades and environmental efforts? Their commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and sustainability is really commendable. I can’t wait to see the new campsite expansions and walking trail!
Imagine how cool it would be if they expand Heflen Park’s campsite! It could really amp up the outdoor fun in German Township. Upgrading the sewage system might be a good call for all those extra campers.
Just wanted to share some thoughts with you. They’re looking into expanding the campsite and improving the park’s trails at Heflen Park. It’s cool that they’re focusing on sustainability for the sewage system. Exciting times ahead for outdoor enthusiasts!
Did you hear? Heflen Park is thinking about going green with eco-friendly sewage solutions. It’s all about making our park experience better and more sustainable for everyone. Exciting stuff, right?
Guess what’s happening at Heflen Park? They’re not just expanding the campsite – they’re also looking into adding cool eco-friendly stuff like solar-powered lights and recycling stations! Plus, they’re getting the community involved in planning new recreational activities. How awesome is that for our park experience?
Considering expanding campsites at Heflen Park is cool, but let’s make sure the sewage system can handle it. We gotta keep the park awesome and nature-friendly!
Did you hear that Heflen Park might add more campsites and upgrade the sewage system? Imagine all the extra fun we could have in the park without any worries about infrastructure!