Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fort Worth District at Lavon Lake announce they have finalized the study to determine how to improve recreation facilities at Lavon Lake.
Lavon Lake launched the study in August of 2024 to develop a comprehensive strategic plan focused on enhancing recreation areas at the lake by optimizing internal operations, partnering or leasing parks with local cities, and potential permanent park closures. The study considered all 17 parks currently operated and maintained by Lavon Lake.
Lavon Lake announced the study through local media and social media platforms, followed by meetings with local, County, and State leaders to see if there was interest in partnering or leasing parks. Following the meetings, USACE conducted a park-by-park analysis to determine which parks to keep, lease, or close. Multiple cities expressed interest in leasing parks within their jurisdictions, providing an opportunity for the lake and cities to work together toward more community-based recreation solutions around the lake.
Toward the end of the study period, USACE conducted two public meetings to brief the proposed plan and receive comments from the public. There was overwhelming support for the proposed plan by the local cities and the public who attended the public meetings or viewed the brief online.
Based on the study of the 17 parks, local cities will lease a total of 9 parks, Lavon Lake will continue to manage 5 parks, and 3 parks will be permanently closed. The proposed plan has now been approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers and will begin the implemental stage. The approved park operation plans consists of the following changes:
City of Wylie - East Fork Park and Avalon Park
City of Lucas - Brockdale Park and Highland Park
City of Princeton - Clear Lake Park, Ticky Creek Park, and Twin Groves Park
City of Farmersville - Caddo Park and Lakeland Park
USACE - Elm Creek Park, Little Ridge Park, Mallard Park, Lavonia Park, and the Stilling Basin
Permanent Closure - Bratonia Park, Pebble Beach Park, and Little Avalon Park
“This was an important study that will transform how recreation areas are operated at Lavon Lake for the foreseeable future. We are excited to partner with all the local cities and believe that the ‘community-based’ recreation will provide much better parks for the public to enjoy,” said Steve Perrin, Lake Manager at Lavon Lake.
With the approved plan, Lavon Lake can now begin working with the local cities to develop plans for the leased parks and start the leasing process. The changes won’t be seen immediately as cities must survey the parks, develop plans, include the parks in their budget processes, and execute the leases – all of which takes time.
“I anticipate that it will take between 3-5 years to fully implement the plan. We will continue to keep the public updated throughout this process on our website,” said Perrin.
For more information, visit the Lavon Lake web site at www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lavon and click on Recreation Improvement Study to view the associated information paper.
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Visit the Fort Worth District web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and social media at: https://about.me/usacefortworth