HOWARD — Apple Valley Lake lies, both literally and figuratively, at the heart of Apple Valley, and figures prominently in the community’s 40th anniversary celebration this week.
Apple Valley Lake is man-made, and is fed by the Little Jelloway Creek and several streams. It reached full-stage in 1972, and at 511 acres is the county’s largest and deepest body of water. It has more than nine miles of shoreline and measures 3.25 miles in length from its southern tip near Sutton Beach to its northern reaches at the marina. The well-stocked private lake is a magnet for anglers, and members cruise its waters in kayaks, speedboats and just about everything in between.
The development’s 6,600 residential building lots were originally mapped out by American Central Corporation in the early 1970s, and the property owners association was formed 40 years ago. With all lots sold, American Central transitioned out of the development and the association assumed full management responsibilities in 1979.
Apple Valley presently has 2,600 houses and is home to about 7,100 people. As many of them congregate to celebrate the community’s anniversary, parking will be at a premium, and Apple Valley General Manager Jeff Harmer hopes safety will be forefront in peoples’ minds.
Residents who are unable to snag a spot in a designated parking area should park safely off roadways, and motorists are urged to slow down and watch for pedestrians. Obviously, alcohol does not mix with boating, driving or swimming.
Apple Valley asks that use of fireworks be limited to the professionals. Each year, almost 9,000 Americans suffer fireworks-related injuries, and nearly half are under the age of 16. Also be mindful that Central Ohio is abnormally dry for this time of year and there is heightened risk of wildfires.
