With a name like Watercade, it’s hard to forget the key element of Litchfield’s annual community celebration, which takes place today through Sunday.

Water — specifically Lake Ripley — plays an important role in this weekend’s events. Moves made by the Watercade Board of Directors last year gave Lake Ripley an even more prominent place in the activities.

While decisions to move events like Art in the Park and the lip sync contest from Central Park to the shores of Lake Ripley faced some objections, the moves are easily defended.

Concentrating the bulk of the weekend’s activities at the lake makes it easy for visitors — and residents — to know where they need to be for a given activity. It also creates a festival-like atmosphere in that one area, rather than having that excitement diluted by events taking place all over town.

Just as important as what the moves to the lake mean to Watercade success, however, is what the moves could mean to the long-term health of Lake Ripley.

Thousands of people visiting and enjoying themselves at Lake Ripley this weekend is great publicity for this natural treasure. We’re fortunate to have Lake Ripley in our city, and the events there this weekend will remind everyone of that.

For too long Lake Ripley was neglected. What once was a summer hot spot was allowed to deteriorate and become an afterthought.

But in recent years dedicated members of Lake Ripley Improvement Association have effectively partnered with the city of Litchfield to help restore the luster to this aquatic jewel.

For the first time in several years, there is a well-defined swimming area at Memorial Park beach. Buoys mark the perimeter of the swimming area, and LRIA members even added a swim raft. The organization also has worked with Stockmen’s Greenhouse and Landscaping on additional landscaping around the beach, and a fantastic new deck/overlook was built last year with donated labor and oversight from Ideal Lumber.

Also exciting is that Lake Ripley won’t have to be treated for curled pond weed this summer, because five consecutive years of treatment over a 35-acre portion of the lake has successfully stalled this invasive plant species. The lake will be treated for 5 acres of eurasian milfoil, and the beach area will be treated for swimmer’s itch.

Lake Ripley Improvement Association and the city deserve credit for their continuing efforts. They are making Lake Ripley the perfect celebration spot, and Watercade organizers are doing their part to show it off.