The Welcome to Clark Lake Sign delivers a friendly greeting to anyone driving by the North Lake/Grand Boulevard curve.  It also serves as a lift for Spirit Trail users, and on the other side, recognizes donors.

The motivation to build the Sign and Spirit Trail takes you to the heart and soul of Clark Lake.  Chris Zuzelski, who lives on the lake and nearby the Sign, thought so too, and served as an inspiration.  How?  The ground around the Sign struggles during dry-spell periods.  Instead of a carpet of green, weeds and bare spots take over.  Chris thought he could do something about it. “I wanted to give the community something I was uniquely positioned to do.”  Watering the area would make a big difference and amplify its beauty.

Chris collaborated with Jeff and Julie Slat, owners of Wilcox Lawn and Landscaping, to develop a plan to irrigate the area regularly .   Using Wilcox’s irrigation expertise, Jeff recommended the water come from the lake. Using well water could leave rust stains on the Sign, sidewalk, and Spirit Trail bench.  Together, they aimed to extend the irrigation system from the Zuzelski’s home.

Jeff Slat and Chris Zuzelski

That plan became a reality last fall.  Now that spring is here, it will go into action soon.  Because of the large area, Jeff Slat says they installed 16 rotor heads that will operate with 4 zones.

Wilcox donated the system and labor to make this happen.  Because it will use Zuzelski’s system, Chris will cover the cost of power, and care for seasonal changes.  When Chris says he was “uniquely positioned” for this project, he’s correct.  The distance from the lake to the Sign is 900 feet.  His property provides the only path from the shore to the Sign without going through property owned by six others.

Chris adds “Don’t worry about a surprise shower.  After the initial setup, irrigation will be timed to operate before dawn, about 4 am.”  Establishing a carpet of green may take more than water.  Chris and Jeff discussed additional lawncare steps that would lead to the desired results.  Regular irrigation also leaves the door open for flowers and other plantings.

Chris and his wife, Ashley (Adamczyk), built their home about ten years ago and live at the lake full time.  Chris is an engineering manager for Eaton Corporation in Jackson, and works with a global team.  Ashley is an Emergency Room M.D. for Henry Ford in Jackson.

At one time, Wilcox was located on Jefferson near Hyde.  Needing roomier headquarters, they now operate out of a new building on 127 at Blue Ridge Road, still with a Clark Lake address.  Clearly, Jeff and Julie have an affection for Clark Lake.  They produced this video that tells about their business.

Jeff Slat

Is that the whole story?  Wait, there’s more.  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 improving the area around the Welcome Sign.  Another neighbor has been donating his time by mowing it.  Who is this masked man?  Hint:  he lives nearby.  That story is coming up.  Stay tuned.

As you can see the area is large.