Lately, Clarkco State Park has had multiple updates. One of the most recent additions to the park is E-911 signs. The addition of the signs will allow first responders to easily locate anyone who needs help in the park now.
Many of the updates to the park have been able to happen thanks to the organization Friends of Clarkco, which was established in 2017.
One of the updates that has taken place in the last few years has been replacing the roofs on some of the cabins.
“We’ve helped roof cabins 10 and 11,” stated Marsha Roberts with Friends of Clarkco. “With a donation from Atlas Roofing and the friends paying for the labor to roof these cabins, it has saved the cabins from deterioration. The staff had to replace the tongue and groove boards before putting on the shingles.”
The group has also assisted in attaining the materials needed to help fix different campsites in the park. Once they acquired the necessary materials, another group came in to help do the work.
“Friends of Clarkco purchased two semi-truck loads of crossties to help build up the camping pads so that there is no drop off when the campers step out of their campers,” explained Marsha. “Sites 7, 10, 12, 17, 18, and 22 have been repaired. The staff, along with AmeriCorps, has done a great job getting these repaired. Park Manager Tony Fleming submits a grant request to get AmeriCorps each year. The friends help by feeding them one meal each day. These young adults work so hard, and at the end of their time they have created a huge bond with Tony and the park.”
Other clubs that are part of Friends of Clarkco have also been working hard to make additions to the park.
“We have a Mountain Bike Club that is also a member of Friends of Clarkco that is building a riding trail in the park,” said Marsha. “To date, they have built three miles of trails.”
In order to complete all the projects and continue to update the park, Friends of Clarkco does various fundraisers so that they will have the money necessary for the renovations and upkeep.
“Raising money is the most important thing that we do to help the park,” expressed Marsha. “We have several fundraisers. We sell benches that are placed in the park. These are $500 and help the park so much by providing a place for people to rest, as well as provide monetary donation to help fund projects.”
One of the big events the group sponsors at the park is a 5k. The first 5k was very successful, and the group decided that it would be a great way to help sponsor the different projects. With the pandemic starting last year, the group had to get a little creative in order to allow the 5k to take place.
“We hosted the first run at Clarkco for Blair Batson Children’s Hospital; however, after seeing the needs of the park, we decided to make the annual runs to help support projects at the park,” stated Marsha. “The 2020 race was virtual due to Covid. It was still a success. Runners had to run during a certain time period at a place of their choice and email their time. We had a runner from another country run and turn in his time. This year, the 5k will be on June 12.”
The group is now planning to add a trail run later on this year. They have multiple plans to help improve the park.
“This year we are planning a trail run on September 11. The trail run is for 12.5k, 25k, or a 50k,” explained Marsha. “We would like to build a beach volleyball court and other activities for this run. One of the main questions from campers is what activities the park offers children, so we would like to add things for the children to enjoy.”
The park has already completed multiple projects that has made it even more enjoyable. With the help of Friends of Clarkco, it is sure to get even better in the upcoming years
