Lease agreement for Nottawa Park

St. Joseph County has reached a lease agreement with Nottawa Township regarding Nottawa Park.

The move came during last week’s county commission meeting, three years after the county turned over ownership and operations of the Sand Lake park to the township.

According to terms of the arrangement, which takes effect Jan. 1, the county will lease the park for $5 a year for a 50-year period. The 19-acre park includes a beach, picnic pavilion and nearly two dozen campsites.

The county will be responsible for paying all taxes and assessments, as well as covering maintenance of the park.