I recently took a tour of Interlake State Recreation Area and learned a lot about their future plans, as well as their current facilities that are great for people of any age that enjoy being active and outdoors. Interlake is a jewel in our backyard and I wanted to share some of the information that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided me with to update you on the park’s recreational opportunities and expansion plans. Interlake, a Department of Natural Resources property, is a diamond in the rough in southwest Indiana. Under development near Lynnville, Interlake’s main recreational opportunity is off-roading. Additional uses include hunting, fishing, boating, dog trials, other trail activities and more. At approximately 3,500 acres, Interlake is Indiana’s largest off-road property. The current 50 miles of trails are divided by off-road vehicle type and equestrian use; for example, 4x4 and ATV or dirt bike and equestrian. Many miles are open for all users in the safe, open central regions of the property. The northern hills are more extreme and provide plenty of challenging areas. Hikers and mountain bikes are allowed on all trails. Interlake’s geographic location is nearly perfect as a regional destination for visitors of all interests. It is ideal for off-roaders traveling between Kentucky and Michigan. Completing the development of Interlake will only increase its appeal to distant recreationists who are looking for a place that is both family-friendly and challenging. The 2009 master plan identified three priorities at Interlake – improved roads, parking and restrooms. These amenities are now in place. The DNR used federal Recreational Trails Program grants for supplies. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 181 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program, Lynnville provided all labor and equipment for the road and parking area as in-kind match for the grants, saving Indiana hundreds of thousands of dollars. This partnership will continue as Interlake is developed. Local off-road organizations have received $18,500 in grants from Yamaha and BF Goodrich companies for trail development, maintenance, marking and mapping. Additional groups have fund raising events, such as the Toys for Tots, to benefit the Friends of Interlake and local communities. These partnerships are an integral part of Interlake’s development and ability to bring economic development to southwest Indiana. The current estimated visitation at Interlake is between 6,000 to 10,000 annual visits, a high number for an undeveloped property. Similar established properties have 750,000 visits per year. Market analysis estimates Interlake, as a fully developed property, could generate up to $280,000 annually in direct revenue. Research has reported that off-road enthusiasts spend indirect revenue of $54 - $96 per trip. In addition to off-roaders from multiple states, Interlake draws many hunters from both Indiana and Kentucky. The implications for tourism dollars and economic development are clear. Short term goals for Interlake include staff on-site, additional road improvements, professional trail work, design of and building a property entrance including an office/gatehouse complex and purchasing equipment for facilities and trails. These improvements will pave the way for the long term goals such as a training facility, campground, event center and amphitheater. For more information visit: http://www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4226.htm. State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) Crouch Capitol Connection, Interlake State Recreation Area is a diamond in the rough, 10-18-11.doc |
