LOOGOOTEE — West Boggs Park is set to receive a significant facelift this year thanks to a $20,000 Vision Grant from the Martin County Community Foundation (MCCF). The funding, announced this week, is earmarked for a comprehensive renovation of the park’s beach house facilities.
The grant aims to revitalize one of the park’s most high-traffic areas, ensuring the infrastructure meets the needs of the more than 200,000 visitors who frequent the 1,500-acre facility annually.
According to park officials, the renovation project will address several aging components of the beach house. Key upgrades include:
- Facility Modernization: Complete refurbishment of the restrooms and changing areas.
- Shower Upgrades: Installation of improved shower facilities for beachgoers.
- Concession Area: Enhancements to the concession stand to better serve guests during the peak summer season.
- Structural Repairs: The project will include an expanded roof and critical drainage improvements to resolve long-standing leakage issues that have persisted for over two decades
The award is particularly impactful because West Boggs Park, operated by the Daviess-Martin Joint County Parks & Recreation Department, has been entirely self-funded since 1996. Because the park receives no tax-based funding, major capital projects often rely on community partnerships and grants like those provided by the MCCF.
“The mission of the Martin County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said an MCCF representative. “Supporting the infrastructure of West Boggs Park ensures that this regional treasure remains a safe and enjoyable destination for families for years to come.”
The beach house project is part of a broader master plan for the park that has recently added the “Lively Lakefront” playground and a new fishing pier. Construction on the beach house is expected to begin in the coming months, with officials aiming to complete many of the upgrades before the height of the 2026 summer season.
Located on the border of Daviess and Martin counties, West Boggs Park features a 622-acre reservoir famous for its trophy fishing, as well as camping and multi-use trails.
