Indian Lake State Park reopens two weeks after deadly tornado

Logan County, Ohio (W.C.M.H.) – approximately 2 weeks after treatment Deadly tornado hits parts of Indian Lake area Indian Lake State Park in Logan County reopened Friday.

“This feels like a real recovery step,” said Hiedi Whitman, park manager at Indian Lake State Park.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) staff and volunteers worked together to clean up the park. Whitman knows that many of her neighbors around the park's lakes are still facing unknowns and many challenges. Her thoughts, she said, are with the entire community.

“Every day is going to be a long journey, but this community is resilient. They will get through this and we will get through this together,” Whitman said.

Rick Stanley is one of the neighbors still figuring out what to do next. The Lakeview area, which he called home for nearly 50 years, was one of the hardest hit areas. Some of the destroyed houses were torn apart and taken away.

“Everything that people built is gone. They've cleaned it up and it looks better, but it's never going to be the same,” he said.

He also said the reopening of parks is a step towards returning to normalcy.

“Let's get people to come out and have fun. That's what Indian Lake is about, fun, fishing, camping. We might as well get back to normal. Never, but you might as well try to get back to normal,” he said.

Fox Island is the only part of Indian Lake State Park that is still closed. The storm destroyed the shelter's home and knocked down several large trees.

“It's a haven for the locals. It's a haven for the out-of-town people. But for the locals, it's a place where they can come here and think a little bit and realize that this is their home.” “I think it's going to be a new feeling to look back on,” Whitman said of the park.

The park and surrounding areas are expected to be crowded due to the eclipse. Whitman reminded visitors to be respectful of their neighbors, who are still dealing with an incredibly difficult situation.

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/indian-lake-state-park-reopens-two-weeks-after-deadly-tornado/ Indian Lake State Park reopens two weeks after deadly tornado