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Atchison County Lake committee unveils multi‑year revitalization plan, seeks grants and volunteers
Summary
A county lake committee presented a 1–10 year plan that includes immediate cleanup and volunteer projects, six RV campsites, walking trails, a spillway pedestrian crossing, and long‑term dredging options. The committee formed a 'Friends of Atchison County Lake' nonprofit and is pursuing grants and fundraising.
The Atchison County Lake Committee presented a multi‑year revitalization plan to the county commission on July 22 that aims to restore shelter houses, create new recreational opportunities and improve long‑term water quality and habitat.
Ian Saxton, speaking for the committee, described a timeline that begins with a planning and cleanup year and stretches through 10 years of incremental projects. Immediate items include volunteer cleanup days, repairs to shelter houses, the installation of six RV campsites with partial hookups on the north side, improved communication and a public Facebook page, and preparation for a spring 2026 kickoff event with a fishing derby, 5K fun run and local vendors.
“Restore, preserve, and promote the long term health and vitality of the Atchison County Lake,” Saxton read from the committee’s mission statement.
Saxton said the committee has formed a nonprofit “Friends of Atchison County Lake” to accept donations and will participate in local fundraising events. The committee has obtained a quote from Dredge America that estimates full‑lake dredging at about $5.9 million, and it described smaller, phased dredging and erosion‑control options as possible near‑term alternatives.
Other proposed improvements include walking and biking trails, a pedestrian crossing across the spillway built to OSHA guidance, a frisbee‑golf course (donated by Holloway Distillery), additional primitive camping on the south side near the shelter house, a visitor kiosk with local history and wildlife information at the former caretaker’s house site, and a possible enclosed shelter or modest “event” structure overlooking the lake in a later phase.
Saxton said the committee plans to start six RV campsites before the 2026 camping season, work with partners for a spring kickoff and seek grant funding and community donations for larger work such as dredging and habitat restoration.
Commissioners praised the committee’s outreach and said the plan could strengthen the county’s recreational offering and help broaden the local tax base if it increases visitation.
Why it matters
The plan addresses long‑standing concerns about siltation, deteriorating shelter houses and underused recreational facilities. The committee’s mix of short‑term volunteer projects and a nonprofit fundraising approach is aimed at making improvements sustainable without overburdening county operations.
Ending
The committee will provide copies of the plan and funding quotes to the commission; commissioners encouraged the committee to continue outreach and to coordinate grant efforts with county staff.
