Winter Recreation Reductions for Waco Lake/.S. Army Corps of Engineers

( Corps of Engineers Release)

FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District is proposing reductions in winter recreational opportunities during the winter months at Waco Lake.

In an effort to become more efficient, Waco Lake is proposing to close Speegleville Park Campground, Reynolds Creek Park Campground and Koehne Park during the winter season. These proposed winter closures would begin on October 1 and end on April 1 each year.

The plan is being proposed due to a review of park operation costs as compared to visitation data. The data shows underutilization of Speegleville and Reynolds Creek parks during the winter months. Data also shows that Midway and Airport Park will be able to handle all the winter camping needs of the visiting public.

During the winter season, the camping loops at Speegleville Park and Reynolds Creek will be closed to camping; however, the Reynolds Creek Bank Fishing Area will be available for all approved day use activities free of charge. Additionally, the Speegleville boat ramp will be available for boat launch free of charge. Koenhe Park is proposed for full winter closure.

Airport Park and Midway Park will remain fully operational and available for our camping public. Twin Bridges main beach and play ground and Reynolds Creek day use area will remain open and free to the public for our day use patrons. Boat launching facilities at Speegleville Park, Midway Park, Airport Park, Reynolds Creek, Twin Bridges and all remote access points will remain open and available to the public for boat launch access.

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting public comment about these proposed reductions in recreation facilities during the winter months. Anyone wishing to comment should send their comments to Waco Lake Project Office, 3801 Zoo Park Dr. Waco, TX 76708 or by e-mail to Randall.R.Mccartney@usace.army.mil by April 14, 2011. For additional information, you may also contact the Waco Lake Project Office at 254-756-5359. The Corps of Engineers will consider input from written comments before making a final decision on the proposed changes

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