It's generally acknowledged that one of Worthington's most important assets -- arguably its biggest -- is Lake Okabena. That's why it's such good news that organization of the Lake Okabena Improvement Association has taken place.
According to the non-profit group's bylaws: "The purpose of this association is to seek and define areas of maintaining the recreational function, beauty and practicality of Lake Okabena and to otherwise promote Lake Okabena as a focal point of the City of Worthington." There is, quite frankly, little to quibble with there.
Questions about the lake have been asked for years, but the formation of a lake association allows for a unified voice on such matters. The new group certainly has attracted plenty of interest thus far, as more than 100 people attended a membership drive meeting July 17 in Centennial Park. Leaders have been elected, and the association appears well on its way toward following its mission.
It should be noted that membership in the lake association is open to anyone. The association plans to focus on educating its members on activities unhealthy for the lake and protecting water quality, while utilizing resources such as local watershed boards, the Minnesota Lakes Association and the Department of Natural Resources.
Just as importantly, lake association leaders have pledged to work with all members in setting forth goals and how to attain them. By working together and gathering strength in numbers, the Lake Okabena Improvement Association could prove to be far more than a great idea.
