Local business owner launches campaign to preserve VSP Lake

A local business owner is hoping to turn concern into action as questions continue surrounding the future of Versailles State Park Lake.

Candice Dahline, owner of Dahline Insurance and Financial Services in Versailles, recently launched the “Save the Lake” campaign, a website and online petition aimed at raising awareness about the condition of the lake and dam, encouraging public involvement and pushing for greater transparency regarding future plans for the park.

The website urges residents to sign the petition, review publicly available documents and contact elected officials including Indiana Governor Mike Braun, State Sen. Jean Leising and U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin.
“It was just my way to support the community,” Dahline told The Versailles Republican.

The campaign grew out of concerns over discussions surrounding possible dam decommissioning and the future of the lake, along with decades of deferred maintenance and unanswered questions about funding and long-term planning. The website includes links to engineering reports, dam removal design drawings, public records requests and other planning documents related to the lake and dam.

Among the petition’s goals are increasing transparency surrounding previously allocated maintenance funding, encouraging public involvement in future decisions and exploring alternatives that would preserve the lake for future generations.

During the Fourth of July festivities, she spent time at the park distributing informational cards about the campaign and speaking with visitors. “Most people had no idea there was even a possibility of losing the lake,” Dahline said. “And I think people have also lost hope,” she said.

Still, Dahline says the response to the petition has been encouraging. She hopes to eventually reach 10,000 signatures in support of preserving the lake.
“Versailles State Park is not just a piece of land but a cornerstone of our community’s identity,” the petition reads.

Dahline, who grew up visiting Versailles State Park and its swimming pool while growing up in Aurora, said the park has been part of her life for more than 25 years. “It’s part of the fabric of our community,” she said.

The website explains that maintaining the lake would preserve fishing, boating, wildlife habitat and tourism opportunities while protecting one of the defining features of Indiana’s second-largest state park. The campaign also points to potential impacts on local businesses, community events and tourism if the lake were to be removed or significantly altered.

In addition to advocating for traditional maintenance options, the website highlights alternative methods of sediment removal and lake restoration that organizers believe could reduce costs compared to large-scale dredging projects.

For now, Dahline hopes the campaign accomplishes one thing above all else — getting people talking.

The petition remains active online, and organizers continue encouraging residents to sign, share information and become involved in discussions surrounding the future of Versailles State Park Lake.