Once again, it’s time to thank Chris Zuzelski, Jeff and Julie Slat of Wilcox Lawn and Landscaping and Harry Liogghio.  Why?  Each plays a role enhancing Beautiful Clark Lake.  Their efforts help showcase the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign on the Spirit Trail facing North Lake between Rita and Grand Boulevard.

Jeff Slat, Chris Zuzelski

Flashback to 2024.  Noticing the dry brown patches in the ground cover around the Sign, Chris and Jeff came up with a plan to irrigate the area.  The water is drawn from the lake through Jeff’s system.

The lake water is delivered through an irrigation outlay designed and installed by Wilcox’s Jeff Slat.

In addition to maintenance of the system this spring, Wilcox’s has again applied their magic elixir of weed & feed to the entire area.

Now with their help, what was once a patch of scrubby grass and weeds is transforming into a lawn anyone would be proud to call their own.

In planning this project, Chris and Jeff were 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, bringing us to the story of another Clark Laker.

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

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 operate the mower.

This story is not complete without remembering how the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign came to be. The idea of a sign to recognize Spirit Trail donors found its way to Annette Fink.  She designed the Welcome Sign and brought it to life with the help of the community.

Today, families celebrate their connection to Clark Lake with brass plaques on the Trail side as motorists are greeted by the vibrant mural on the roadside.

What you’re witnessing is no accident.  This is the Clark Lake Spirit in action.  The sign did not magically appear.  It required Annette’s countless hours of effort and artistic talent. No one asked Chris and Jeff to collaborate on installing the irrigation.  No one tasked Harry to mow it.  Bottom line?  It really is a telling example of how things work at Clark Lake.

If Chris Zuzelski’s name sounds familiar, it is he who partnered with Aaron Sherwood to offer something most at Clark Lake don’t have enough of–storage.  Here Chris and Aaron stand in front of the improved and enlarged facility on Jefferson near Hyde Roads.