Mound City awarded check for phase two of lake project

The Mound City public works crew has been working to improve the appeal of the city's lake. (https://www.moundcity.org )

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – “Your Mound City crew has been the best, from day one, of all the cities we’ve worked with.” Those were the words of Don George, fisheries biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), as he presented a large ceremonial check to the Mound City Council at its meeting on Aug. 5.

The check represents a grant of nearly $16,000 from the KDWP for work the city has done in phase two of the Mound City Lake development project under the department's Angler Access Program.

He thanked public works supervisor John Bruns and codes officer Jacob Bush for their work at the lake and City Clerk Shelby Murray for her support in the office. He said that every time he asked for help on the project city officials quickly responded.

Don George, from left, presents a check to city staff members Jacob Bush, John Bruns and Mayor Wade Doering for phase two work on the city lake under the Kansas Department of Fish and Wildlife's Angler Access Program. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

The city lake, formerly a public water supply for the city that is being developed into more of a recreation area, is about 4 miles west of Mound City via county roads.

Recent improvements include a camping area complete with RV hookups and places for tent camping, a boat ramp, a walking trail around the lake. People can reserve camp areas that cost $17 a night.

This year, Mark Denman served as a resident host for the campground. At the meeting he said that this summer through the month of July the lake campsites had been rented 25 times. He also complimented the city crew saying the area looked great and the lawn care made it look like a golf course.

Denman also said he has fielded questions from people about creating a swimming beach or similar access point at the lake.

Bush said that there has been discussion about creating a swimming area.

In addition to the city lake, George said the city’s plans for building a pond northwest of the ballfields was a “fantastic opportunity.” He said KDWP would help stock the pond with fish, adding that it would be a convenient fishing spot for people wanted to cast a line in the water for a couple hours after they came home from work.

He also said that he believed KDWP would provide financial support for the project, and that it was currently undergoing environmental impact reviews.