WASHINGTON — The Daviess County Council has greenlit a major investment in the long-term health of one of the region’s most vital recreation hubs.
The Council approved a $60,000 funding request from West Boggs Park Superintendent Nathan Rihm to mitigate chronic blue-green algae blooms that have plagued the 622-acre reservoir.
The funds will serve as a critical local match for a specialized $100,000 clean water grant. While the park was able to contribute $40,000 toward the requirement, the additional $60,000 from the county ensures the project can move forward.
During the council meeting, Rihm emphasized that standard algae control methods—which often rely on temporary chemical applications—have proven ineffective for Boggs Lake. The new initiative aims to implement more advanced clean water technology to address the root causes of the “chronic” blooms.
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and pets. In Indiana, these blooms typically prompt “Advisory” or “Caution” alerts that can discourage swimming and boating during the peak summer season.
Rihm presented data highlighting the park’s importance to the local economy:
- 72,000 individual visitors travel to the Daviess-Martin County area specifically for the park each year.
- Overall attendance totals often exceed 200,000 visits annually, drawing from across Southern Indiana.
- The park has been entirely self-funded since 1996, receiving no regular tax-based revenue, making these types of grant partnerships essential for major capital improvements.
The algae treatment project is part of a larger “facelift” for the park in 2026. This funding follows a recent $20,000 Vision Grant from the Martin County Community Foundation, which is currently funding:
- Beach House Renovations: Fixing a 20-year-old roof leakage problem.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Improving drainage, restrooms, and showers for the 2026 summer peak.
- Enhanced Safety: New guardrail projects are also planned for the North and South Causeways over the lake (CR 1200) to improve visitor transit.
The algae treatment is expected to begin this spring to ensure the lake remains at a “Low Risk” level for the Memorial Day weekend kickoff.
With water quality and facility improvements underway, West Boggs Park has announced its early-season events:
- March 28: Annual Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt.
- April 25: Spring Fest & Plant Sale.
- May 2: “Dog Days” – A special event allowing pets to swim at the beach before the regular season begins.
