Dedication – Covered Bridge Farm County Park

The newest member of St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department’s family was the focus of a ceremony Saturday.

A crowd of about two dozen people gathered at the Lockport Township site to witness the dedication of Covered Bridge Farm County Park. The showcase of the seven-acre parcel, a refurbished barn that replaced the historic Culbertson family barn, served as the backdrop while parks and recreation officials, current and past county commissioners, and county administrator Teresa Doehring all made brief statements.

The park’s scenic location along the north bank of the St. Joseph River was recognized as an asset to the parks department as well as the county.

The five-member county commission in September 2015 provided $330,000 for the parks and recreation department to purchase the parcel, which includes 1,000 feet of St. Joseph River shoreline. The land and its contents – a farmhouse, barn and two outbuildings – were bought from the county’s former finance director, Joni Smith.

Another $450,000 went into constructing the barn, restrooms, pavilion, river walk and parking lot.