Task force to look at Plainville Lake development

As a result of a June 1 meeting regarding the Plainville Township Lake, a 15-person task force has volunteered to continue with looking out for the future of the lake.  Approximately 55 people attended the meeting which was conducted by Roger Hrabe, Rooks County Economic Development Director.

Hrabe noted the meeting was designed to take a long-term look at the lake and look for community support of a resource that has never been developed.  He told the group this is an opportunity to look at the positives at the lake and picture what it could be.  He also noted there are funds available for projects such as improving the lake, but added a plan must be put together before applying for funding.  One way of making a plan is to gather ideas, then shape those ideas into the best possible configuration to work for as many interested parties as possible.

After a power point presentation, attendees were broken into small groups to talk about and write down amenities they would like to see at the lake.  Following a lively idea session, members from each group read their lists.  With money as no object, the ideas ranged from rebuilding the lake to a frisbee course and many items in between.

Represented at the meeting was a wide range of people, from ATV owners to fishermen as well as other who are interested in using the lake area for recreation.  Following the meeting, 12-13 people, along with the township board, volunteered to make up the task force.  The task force will study the list of ideas for the lake and organize them.

"I was real happy with the turnout and I thought the input and ideas were good,"  Hrabe said regarding the meeting.  "It shows there are a lot of people who care about the lake."