The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center will host a grand re-opening for Lake Leisure adjacent to the VA on April 22 at 11:30 a.m. by the lake.
Constructed in 1974, Lake Leisure was originally owned by the VA to be used by veterans convalescing at the medical center but was ceded to the State of Georgia in 2000. A group of local citizens, wanting to see the lake returned to its former glory, established Lake Leisure Inc. to raise the necessary funds to reclaim the local landmark and once again make it available to veterans at the VA.
VA communications director Dr. Frank Jordan cited all the hard work that went into once again making the lake a showplace.
“Over the last few years we have watched the Lake Leisure folks and their many volunteers work tirelessly to reclaim the lake for the benefit of our veterans. Through their generosity, our veterans are once again able to fish in peace and quiet, so we are thrilled to host a grand re-opening of Lake Leisure to acknowledge the community spirit that made this possible,” Jordan said.
At one time the lake was completely dry, bridges and tables were rotting, and the area was overrun with vegetation, but as a result of Lake Leisure Inc.’s efforts, it is once again scenic and being used by Dublin area veterans.
“It has been a pleasure to see the Lake Leisure team transform the lake, and seeing our veterans once again to enjoy it is very gratifying,” Jordan said.
Last summer, the lake was sufficiently stocked that a Navy veteran in the Dublin VA hospice unit was able to fulfill one of his last wishes by taking a final fishing trip, an event that was covered by national media and captured international attention.
Former longtime U.S. congressman and WWII veteran Dr. J. Roy Rowland acknowledged the tremendous community spirit that made the revived lake possible.
“This project is magnificent proof that a dedicated group of citizens can achieve great things, and no part of our community is more deserving than our veterans,” Rowland said.
Jordan invited everyone to join Lake Leisure Inc. and the VA Saturday to celebrate the accomplishment.
“We’ll have some remarks by a few folks who were influential in getting this project through, some music by the Dublin High School band, and a ribbon-cutting. Our Bataan Memorial Death march will be happening at the same time so everyone should feel free to join us for both events. We’re hoping that our friends and veteran supporters will take a few minutes to celebrate with us,” Jordan said.
According to Lake Leisure representatives, veterans residing at the Dublin VA are welcome to fish while they are patients.