WPOA dedicated to preserving Lake Wawasee

Wawasee Property Owners Association is “neighbors dedicated to the preservation and orderly development of Indiana’s largest natural lake.” The board believes “ ‘Neighbor’ is less a location than an attitude. We are neighbors because we share the common bond of Lake Wawasee and the common concern that each of us treats the lake with the same respect we wish for ourselves.”

The organization is a large part of the lakes community and supporter of a number of programs and organizations.

It supports the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, including the newest trail in Conklin Bay, is a supporter in the formation of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy, and was one of the spearheading organizations to get repairs done at the Syracuse Water Control Device — better known as the Syracuse Dam. The organization provides 100% financial support for the volunteer officers and boats with the sheriff’s lake patrol to promote safety on the lakes.

WPOA is also the organization behind the annual Fourth of July fireworks on Lake Wawasee. This year the fireworks were “phenomenal. The best ever,” according to Kay Young, WPOA president. The fireworks display is made possible through donations from WPOA members and others in the community.

Normally several events are hosted by the WPOA for its membership — a family breakfast and an annual dinner meeting. Even its monthly meetings were open to members. However the coronavirus has cancelled the events and meetings were virtual through Zoom.

It is the WPOA that seeks to keep lake activities safe, as well as fun. Board members work closely with the Department of Natural Resources and sheriff’s office officials to encourage boating safety and work closely with Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, the Watershed Task Force and Lilly Lakes and Streams to keep the water safe and healthy.

The WPOA has participated in numerous projects for the betterment of the lake. It was instrumental in acquiring the severe weather warning systems, tested the first Saturday of each month, and installation and maintenance of dry fire hydrants around the lake, which supports the local fire territory in its endeavors to protect property and lives of residents. Additionally directors work hand in hand with other organizations whose efforts involve the lake.

Each year WPOA publishes “Neighbors,” a guide to Lake Wawasee. Delivered to all WPOA paying members, the directory includes a wealth of information on the community and organizations, including pier number listings.

WPOA is also involved in the community. The WPOA helps the high school bring kids to the lake in the fall to experience the lake experience with sailing and other activities, hosts fundraisers to support local initiatives like the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail, and shares essential calendar events and information via mailings, a quarterly newsletter and the website.

Young, who has overseen the board of directors for a number of years, keeps in touch with board members who are involved in legislative issues, orderly development, water quality, lake patrol communications and more.

To find out more about WPOA and its activities it supports, visit www.wawaseepoa.org.