Cass County attorney responds to number of drownings at France Park

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:31 AM

By Staff report

Recent drownings at a popular swimming area in Cass County have prompted the following resopnse from the county's attorney.

James D. Hildebrand, Attorney for Cass County, wrote the following on behalf of the Cass County Commissioners. It notes that the swimming park at France Park remains closed at this time.

France Park is a county-owned recreation, camping, and swimming park located in western Cass County. There have been four unfortunate drowning incidents this summer involving the swimming lake. Regrettably, three people have drowned, with one near-drowning.

Prior to this summer, we had 1 previous drowning within the past 7 years. However, this recent series of incidents is unprecedented. The County is engaging in review of safety practices and operations at the swimming area and the Park. As part of this review, we are still awaiting reports from the Department of Natural Resources and the Cass County Coroner’s Office. In the meantime, we regret to inform the public that the swimming area is closed to the general public until further notice.