The Otterbein Lake Project – Join the Adventure Creating a community asset to enhance the scenic, recreational, educational and environmental value of Otterbein Lake for the citizens of Westerville and the surrounding areas.
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In addition to the physical transformation of the lake, the project’s other goal is to foster community spirit by having citizens drive the project, in cooperation with city officials. It turns out that Westerville is full of people who want to join the project. It would be great for people to someday take their grandchildren along the lake and say something like “Grandma and I and Uncle Bill helped build this!” An example is the logo that you see at the top left. This graceful drawing of a breezy day at Otterbein Lake was contributed by Lindsay Storck, a Westerville North High School student. Feel free to join in the adventure. There is much to do. Whatever your skills and interests, we welcome you. If you or your organization would like to donate funds, materials, expertise, or time, call 614-882-6493 or e‑mail otterbeinlake@att.net. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Some immediate needs: Add boardwalk and pier Everyone likes to get out over the water to look down into the world below the surface, to sit and soak in the peaceful view and sounds, to fish or feed the fish. This will be possible with a low boardwalk over Otterbein Lake, connecting to a partly covered observation deck/fishing pier. Improve lake banks for plants, animals, safety Currently, much of the underwater area next to the lake edge is too steep to support plant life and animal habitat. The plan is to add gravel or rocks underwater and then fill in with topsoil so that edges are variable depths up to 2’ deep for safety and good vegetation growth. Material needed is self-compacting material like clean concrete or stone chunks, and dirt. Also needed: delivery and installation of materials. Add observation/fishing overlook The addition of a plaza will provide a peaceful place to observe the lake or fish. It will also allow for for safe fishing for everyone, including those in wheelchairs. This will involve larger chunks or stone for a wall/seating, plus water-permeable pavement. Green roof shelter This will be the first shelter house in Ohio with a vegetated roof. It will provide shade and seating for those observing the lake or using the bike path, and will house educational materials about the lake, and about native plants and animals. It will be a place where Ohioans can come to see green roof technology in action. Needs include grading, excavation, filling, installing concrete footers, stone work, rubber roofing, steel frame, masonry work (blocks and stone veneer for seating), general construction. Other elements for future development as funds become available: · Second overlook · Pedestrian bridge over Alum Creek · Woodland structure overlooking Alum Creek