Founded in 1947, the purpose of the Lake Improvement Association is to make improvements to Grand Lake St. Marys and its facilities and to promote a clean and healthy lake for the general public’s use. Here’s a sampling of the difference our members have made over the past ten years.
Water Quality
Prairie Creek Treatment Train (funding)
Coldwater Creek Treatment Train (funding)
Channel Aeration
West Beach Aeration
Wetland Plants (funding)
Elks Stream Restoration (funding)
Soil Testing
Sponsor Get the Carp Outta Here Tournament
Support for the Wright State Water Lab
Support for the Grand Lake Restoration Commission
Donated channel plants & wetlands plans
Amenities
West Bank Benches
East Bank Benches
West Beach Restoration Project
Channel Signage & Lights
Stan Wilker Memorial Playground (Windy Point)
Villa Nova Playground
Northwood Lighthouse Preservation Project
Emergency Rescue Safety Equipment (in partnership with the Rec Club)
Celina Fire Department Rescue Boat
Windy Point Kayak Launch
Legislative/Policy
Campaigned to defeat changing the current watershed rules to less productive model & testified before JCARR committee at Ohio Statehouse
Hosted Ohio rep debate with opportunity for membership to ask candidates lake-centric questions
Awareness & Economic Support
Publicity to gain support for lake improvement
Microcystin reporting
Bar Stool Open
Winter Dance
Summer Kickoff/Color Run
Scavenger Hunt
Golf Outing
Grand Lake App
LIA Website
Email Newsletter
Social Media Campaigns
Informative membership meetings, broadcast online
Speaking engagements at local clubs and gatherings (Lions, Rotary, etc..)
Historical Series/Educational Series
Kids Fishing Derby
Chili Cook Off (in partnership with Brew Nation)
Grand Lake Marathon (volunteerism)
COVID-19 Summer Stimulus Sweepstakes ($10,000 into local economy)
Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award
Stahr Award
Support other community organizations (CVB, Rec Club, St. Marys Rotary, etc.)
Sponsor Crappie USA tournament
Sponsor LakeFest
Sponsor lake-related Eagle Scout projects
Soil & water conservation education
Support for the Celina Lake Festival Fireworks