In April, this website described how Clark Lake’s Chris Zuzelski and Wilcox Lawn and Landscaping’s Jeff Slat came up with a plan to irrigate the area around the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign.  Keeping the area watered over the summer has definitely smoothed the roughness.  The bare spots are disappearing.  Replacing them is a green carpet that gently showcases the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign.  (Read the whole story by clicking here).

That story concluded this way:  Chris and Jeff planned this Clark Lake project motivated by a desire to improve Clark Lake.  It turns out they are not alone when it comes to focusing on the area around the Welcome Sign.  This other activity predates the Sign itself.

Every Thursday or Friday afternoon for several summers, another neighbor has been mowing around the Sign.  Harry and Jill Liogghio live on Rita Drive.  Harry guides his mower to the sign and provides a professional manicure.  Caring for this substantial plot was Harry’s inspiration to acquire the mower that you see in the photo.  Does Harry believe the irrigation changed things? “The grass is definitely thicker.”

What you’re witnessing is the Clark Lake Spirit in action.  No one asked Chris and Jeff to collaborate on installing the irrigation.  No one tasked Harry to mow it.  It really is a telling example of how things work at Clark Lake.

Any parting thoughts from Harry?  He recommends those walking dogs pick up after them.  When this doesn’t happen, running into what’s left behind is none too pleasant for those who wander from the Trail – or on a mower.

The Spirit Trail makes it possible for cyclists, walkers and runners to circumnavigate the lake by land.  Prior to its construction, circling the lake presented many obstacles.

Unpaid volunteers roll up sleeves to maintain the Trail.  In some cases, employing third parties becomes necessary.  That has a price tag.  Last year, the sections through the County Park and the former railroad bed parallel to Hyde Road were repaved at a cost exceeding $50,000.  This summer both sections were seal-coated for about $4,000.

This video shows unpaid volunteers working on the spring clean up.

Clark Lakers are generous, and that support helps keeps the Trail in great shape.  Donations come from those who wish to have cast-bronze plaques mounted on the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign, from Run Clark Lake proceeds, from those who simply write a check to the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation (PO Box 224), or make a contribution by credit card through this website. 

Hats off to Harry, Chris, Jeff, and to the many volunteers and donors who make this wonderful Clark Lake amenity a reality.