The lake conjures up memories of boat rides, picnics and fireworks for many area residents.
It’s been a recreation destination for decades and is about the most noticeable feature in town.
But what many who enjoy the lake may not consider is how it’s kept in shape ecologically, and otherwise.
They may not know that the Lake Orion Lake Association is on the case.
The main focus of the group boils down to three issues: water quality, water safety and aquatic weeds.
Water quality testing and the placement of no-wake buoys on the lake are just a few things the group does to make sure people can enjoy the lake safely, and remain to do so in the future.
The association currently has 150 members, but is looking for more. Their annual meeting is coming up, and members Pam Omilian and George Hanley encourage those who live and play on the lake to come.
The two estimate that there are about 850 to 900 homes around the lake.
‘We all volunteer to make sure it is healthy,? Omilian said.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on April 22 at the Eagles Club, located at 317 W. Clarkston Road.
‘From our standpoint, you really need a critical mass of members to communicate,? Hanley said. ‘We’d really like to grow the membership. We want to make sure Lake Orion is a good place to work and play.?
The association started in 1977 with 31 members, and has now grown to 150 members. According to Hanley, more 250 people have been involved in the association’s more than 30 years of service.
The organization got its start when the Department of Natural Resources was talking about plans to put in up to 200 boat slips.
The Lake Orion Lake Association sprung up as a tool to combat it, and has since kept the amount of slips restricted to 40.
Since then, the association has made it their goal to, according to their mission statement, ‘promote, advocate and protect the best interests of the area through preservation of the natural beauty of the environment.?
‘Quality on the lake is a whole range of things,? Hanley said.
The association may best be known for placing the 16 buoys in Lake Orion. At $250 a pop, the bobbing no-wake signals are not cheap.
A few years ago, the village and township stepped in to help with the costs of replacing some that were worn out. But having an active membership helps ensure the buoy system is maintained, which is very important on a lake as busy as Lake Orion.
The buoys help encourage courtesy boating near shore and in narrow channels.
The association also gets involved in water testing to make sure the lake stays healthy. Tests are conducted throughout the season for phosphorus, chlorophyll and water clarity.
In the past, the health of the lake was a problem.
‘There was a time when I couldn’t see the bottom,? Omilian said.
Aquatic weeds is the other main project of the association. Lake Pro Inc., a state-licensed company, works with the association to help keep out invasive species.
All of these issues are very important on an extremely popular lake that is logjammed in the summer, especially on the weekends and holidays.
‘Friday, Saturday and Sunday is really busy,? Hanley said. ‘On Fourth of July, it’s like the Indianapolis 500.?
Omilian echoes Hanley about how busy the lake gets.
‘You can’t swim, you just walk across the lake on boats,? said Omillian.
Omilian grew up on the lake and his lived near it all her life.
Omilian still boats on the lake, having received her boater’s license when she was just 11-years-old.
‘It was my playground,? she said. ‘I would like to keep it that way for generations to come.?