The public is invited to help celebrate the opening of Lake Darling State Park this afternoon. The Friends of Lake Darling, Washington Chamber and Brighton Chamber of Commerce are holding the Early Reopening Ribbon Cutting at 1:30pm. The informal ceremony will include the unveiling of a bronze bust of Ding Darling done by Max-Cast in Kalona.

Tours of the renovated park and a BYO Basket picnic will follow. Food will also be available on site. Motorists are advised to take caution while driving, as some construction at the park continues. Campers will be admitted on a first come first serve basis.

President of Friends of Lake Darling Fay Vittetoe says between the new dam, lake restoration, camp ground renovation, new lodge and cabins, roughly $16 million has been spent on the park over the past 15 years. The official Grand Rededication of Lake Darling State Park will take place September 17th.