Dane County Executive Joe Parisi Kicks Off Construction At Indian Lake County Park
December 05, 2016
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
County Executive
Today Dane County Executive Joe Parisi kicked off construction at Indian Lake County Park. The project will include a new restroom building, timber frame park shelter, accessible parking and paths, playground and picnic area. Construction is set to be completed in July of 2017.
“Dane County has some of the best parks in the state,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Indian lake is a very popular county park and these improvements will make it even more enjoyable.”
The park shelter will be constructed of trees harvested through prairie restoration and timber stand improvement projects on County owned lands. Total estimated project cost is approximately $800,000, partially funded through a Wisconsin DNR Stewardship Grant $179,300. The dog park, boat landing and trails will continue to be open during construction.
The budget also includes $100,000 to complete the ongoing restoration at Dane County’s Indian Lake County Park. When completed this incredible gem of our parks system will have new shelters, restrooms, and a renewed fresh water fishery.
In 2015, Virgil and Gladys Theis donated $10,000 toward construction of an accessible fishing pier installed in early August with help from the family. The pier is 16’ x12’ and located on the north shore of Indian Lake.
Numerous recent efforts have taken place to restore Indian Lake. Dane County and DNR continue to work on fishery improvement including removal of remaining carp (5,800 pounds). Healthy numbers of northern pike and bluegill have re-established in the lake. Dane County next plans on stocking largemouth bass, channel catfish and yellow perch. Recently Dane County installed a new lake aeration system to prevent winterkill of fish. DNR and County staff will continue to monitor the lake for water quality, fish and plant growth improvements realized through carp removal efforts.
The Friends of Indian Lake have been helping fundraise for numerous projects with their annual Indian Lake Run, part of the Savanna Series outdoor runs throughout Dane County.
At 483 acres, Indian Lake is one of Dane County's largest parks. The main entrance to Indian Lake County Park is located in the town of Berry on SH 19 about two miles west of USH 12. A winding trail leads to a historic chapel built in 1857, located on a hilltop that provides a breath taking view of the lake and surrounding valley. A trail has been developed around the entire lake, and miles of cross-country ski and nature trails in the wooded hills provide many recreational opportunities and access to a log cabin warming house. The park is also included within the Ice Age National Scenic Trail corridor. Other amenities include a pet exercise area located adjacent to the small boat launch of USH 19 at the entrance on the west side of the park.