The Clark Lake Community Center in the County Park is more than a 120-year old cottage.  It’s a reflection of Clark Lake’s dedication to preserve the lake’s culture and history.  For 100-years it stood on Kentucky Point, but was almost lost to the ages. Instead, Clark Lake came together to save it in a most ingenious way (scroll down to the see the video if you haven’t watched it yet).

Today the Community Center preserves Clark Lake’s past.  Hanging on its Wall of Fame are artifacts highlighting lake history.  More are on the way, so stay tune for coming attractions. The Community Center is also a place for meetings, birthday parties, weddings, and life celebrations.  They all take place in this historic setting surrounded by the landscaping of the Garden Angels and with an elevated view of Clark Lake.  Donations and rental income are the means of keeping this structure, now into its second century, in good shape.

Maintaining and improving this testament to our lake does not happen on its own.  The Community Center board has worked tirelessly over the years, and now invites up to three individuals to join them.  A prospective member should be willing to support the goal of preserving Clark Lake’s past, help to ensure the future success of the Center, and assist in fundraising efforts.  Included would be attending about six meetings per year, each lasting about an hour. You can reach out to the Community Center’s president, John Karkheck at jkarkheck@comcast.net or cell (517) 745-2929. 

In a recent article on this website, John Karkheck described his view of the Clark Lake’s connection to this building and why it is called “iconic.”  

“…When the house was about to be razed, there was public outcry to save it.  But, why?  This house, which stood on Kentucky Point for 100 years, meant far more than other old cottages that have been taken down for new structures.  What was the difference?  There is heartfelt emotion attached to the Community Center building because of its high visibility on Kentucky Point and the history those at the lake ascribe to it.  Think of  wonderful childhood memories at the lake—swimming, boating, water skiing, roller skating at the Point.  Some found their first summer romance here.  Some of those romances turned into lifetimes together. Perhaps they participated in Fleet 58, the largest in the country.  All that time, the house stood watch on Kentucky Point.  It is the emotional marker for people who love their experience at Clark Lake.  That’s why the lake came together to save the house, and got it done at the very same time the Spirit Trail was being built.” 

Here’s the video that spotlights the most unusual manner in which the cottage came to rise to the County Park’s highest point.

 

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