[Sly Fox]

Ivy Lake in Forest donated to Liberty University

From staff reports
Published: December 30, 2008

Liberty University now owns Ivy Lake, the man-made lake inside of Forest’s Ivy Hill subdivision, the school announced today.

Lynchburg-area residents Tom DeWitt, Terry Dobyns and Richard Chaffin donated the 125-acre lake and four acres for parking and lake access to the school, according to LU’s Web site.

The property has an unofficial estimated worth of about $2 million.

“ love Liberty and everything they’re doing. We just want to be a part of what they’re doing,” DeWitt said in a news release.

Click Here for Full Story

The predictable comments have already started rolling in.

Anybody know about in the lake?

[LUconn]

Dr. George lived on that lake. I don't know if he still does. Garcia lived out there too but he retired and I think he moved away. I think a lot of the faculty lives in that area.

[Sly Fox]

Dr. Wilmington lived there when I stayed at his house when I was visiting the college nearly a quarter century ago.

It is a beautiful setting. I'm still curious about the fishing.

[SumItUp]

I used to live on that lake. I have to admit that I am a bit baffled how this benefits Liberty.

[Sly Fox]

The original news release ...

Liberty land donations top $4 million

posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by Teresa Dunham | in General News



Liberty University once hoped to build a 125-acre lake on Liberty Mountain for student recreation, but the dream seemed impossible when LU officials learned that Virginia would require them to spend millions in wetland credits to offset the environmental impact.

Now three generous donors are giving Liberty a lake for free.

Ivy Lake, located about 15 minutes from LU in Forest, Va., is a beautiful man-made lake with a mountain vista reflected in its waters — and it’s precisely 125 acres.

Click Here for Full Story

So what type of fish do we have in these waters, SumItUp?

[SuperJon]

I used to live on that lake. I have to admit that I am a bit baffled how this benefits Liberty.

It's probably part of the Ultimate LU thing. They're trying to get a lot of recreational opportunities for the students and this fits the bill.

[LUconn]

Now we need to acquire all of the land in between campus and the lake... And possibly the airport.

[SuperJon]

You know some Lynchburg local will read that and thing you're serious.

[Rocketfan]

You know some Lynchburg local will read that and thing you're serious.

Exactly!

[SuperJon]

Crap, I wrote thing instead of think.

[Cider Jim]

And I own a jon boat with a trolling motor!

[Fumblerooskies]

The land and the lake is a definite financial asset, I would think...
...and much more likely to appreciate than cheesy artwork.

[LUconn]

zing! Although if they ever think about selling it, I will sue them so fast.

[RagingTireFire]

Hey, I think I once played golf in that lake.

[Hold My Own]

I used to live on that lake. I have to admit that I am a bit baffled how this benefits Liberty.

It's probably part of the Ultimate LU thing. They're trying to get a lot of recreational opportunities for the students and this fits the bill.

I'm not sure how they could use this for Ultimate LU...not big enough for wake boarding and they have a no gas powered engine rule...of course now owning it that could change but I'm sure the home owners will have something to say about that



Tom's my buddy, it's nice to see him get some good PR for this



RTF: it took me a minute but I got it very clever

[SuperJon]

The article said fishing, canoeing, etc. That could be part of UltimateLU. UltimateLU isn't just the high powered stuff. It's recreation in general.

Now that the lake is more than a dream for LU, officials are brainstorming all the possible ways students could use it. Rowing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are just a few of the suggestions.

“We think this lake will be a real asset in recruiting students. It’ll be a real benefit to our existing students, and it will enhance student life and activities,” Falwell Jr. said.

[Cider Jim]

I'm hoping we'll change the name to "Liberty Lake."

[Hold My Own]

I guess...but if thats what they were needing then they already have that

[Fumblerooskies]

I'm hoping we'll change the name to "Liberty Lake."

I think Bedford already has one of "those," given "Liberty" was its original name.

[Hold My Own]

To bad it wasnt the golf course...

[JDUB]

wasn't one of the purposed for a new lake a while back for a rowing team??

and HMO, I think if you had skillz you could wakeboard on that
i've seen people do it on a 15 acre lake many times...

[mrmacphisto]

This is interesting. I drive by there all the time. Are there any walking trails that go around that lake?

[Hold My Own]

I'm sure boarding could be done....I'm not as skilled as you and others Jdub


Whatever LU wants to do I'm sure there are ways to get everyone around the lake to buy into it. Heck you dont even need everyone to buy in...just enough so if it hits the fan you have people who were supporting what you were trying to do. LU presents these families a chance for their children to enjoy some of the great things they are going to bring to the table and you're now in with the families...

[Hold My Own]

Are there any walking trails that go around that lake?

About 18 holes worth

[flamesbball84]

I'm sure boarding could be done....I'm not as skilled as you and others Jdub


Whatever LU wants to do I'm sure there are ways to get everyone around the lake to buy into it. Heck you dont even need everyone to buy in...just enough so if it hits the fan you have people who were supporting what you were trying to do. LU presents these families a chance for their children to enjoy some of the great things they are going to bring to the table and you're now in with the families...

What if these families don't like LU to begin with? You know how the LU haters are, they are going to hate LU and everything they do regardless of rather it's actually good or not, and considering where the lake is located, there is a good chance there will be people around that lake that don't like/hate LU