AVOCA – The pond is now refilled at the Avoca Park & Recreation of Marshall Township and waiting to be restocked.
On the morning of July 21, 2023, volunteers found that someone had kicked off the drain pipe on one of the ponds, draining most of the water out and killing hundreds of fish.
“It just made us all sick,” said board member Mike Holmes. “It was a senseless act that killed more than 150 to 200 fish, their young. It just ruined it for a lot of people who come here to fish and enjoy the park.”
To see a video of the damage click here.
People are allowed to fish, catch, and release at each of the 10 ponds in the park.
“It takes a lot of work to keep the ponds stocked so others can enjoy,” added Holmes. “They can’t do that again (drain the ponds), added Holmes “We now have locks on all the drain pipes. We know who these teens were, we have them on camera. They are not welcome back.”
Thanks to Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks and Reservoirs and DNR the pond will be restocked in September.
“We can not thank Dan and DNR enough for their help,” Holmes added.
There are more than 4 acres of visitors to enjoy at the park.
There are shelter houses that are available to rent.
Most of the park picnic areas and benches are on a first come first serve basis for those who want to picnic or just enjoy the sun. Several trails and walking areas are also available.
Currently, there are approximately 12 – 20 volunteers who work trying to keep up the grounds at the park.
The Park Board is also accepting donations for a monument to be placed at the flag pole to honor war veterans from World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq wars.
“We feel that this would be a great thing to do to honor all those who served our Country,” added Holmes. “Any donations big or small will be appreciated.”
You can contact Mike Holmes at 812-279-9275.
The Historic Hamer House Airbnb
The Historic Hamer House will be celebrating 200 years in October.
Hamer House is a 2,600+ total square foot colonial-style house originally built in 1823. Over the last 200 years, this home has been used as a personal residence, a post office, a general store, and an inn.
It is now an AirBnB managed and operated by the Marshall Township Trustee, Park Board, and Advisory Board.
The returns from The Historic Hamer House AirBnB will assist the Avoca Park & Recreation of Marshall Township in making it a more self-sustainable park for the public to enjoy.
