In 1911 the Bayless Paper Mill Dam broke. The flood water engulfed the town of Austin and claimed over 78 lives. In 1994, the Austin Dam Memorial Association (ADMA) was formed and since has worked diligently to create a beautiful natural park open and available to the public. The ADMA’s mission is to continue the preservation of the Dam Ruins and manage the park property including a 2-1/2 mile stretch along the Freeman Run. We are a non-profit, all-volunteer group funded mostly by visitor donations. Revenue goes toward the maintenance and operation of the Austin Dam Memorial Park including the park access roads, hiking trails, ecofriendly campsites and picnic areas, handicap accessible flush toilet restrooms and trout fishing areas and other park amenities.
