OKEECHOBEE – Improvements are planned at the Clif Betts Jr, Lakeside Recreation Area (aka Lock 7).

At their Aug. 10 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners authorized the chairman to execute an agreement for professional services between the county and Kimley-Horn, one of the county’s continuing services engineering firms.

According to the county staff report, on June 26, 1986, United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) gave the county authority to operate a public park inside the Herbert Hoover Dike at the area commonly called “Lock 7.”

In February 2017, staff submitted a plan to the USACE for proposed future improvements of the park.

On Sept, 22, 2020, the county received a letter from USACE Real Estate Division requesting Okeechobee a review of an updated agreement for use of the property,

At the Oct, 5, 2020 BOCC meeting, the county commission accepted the conceptual drawings and executed the agreement, the staff report explains.

Over the past year, the community services director has met with various community members and organizations, to obtain a better understanding of their requests regarding specific items such as the air boat launch and bird watching areas. In November 2022, in partnership with the Capital Improvements and Public Works Departments, staff provided a temporary solution for the bird watching area which has proven to keep unwanted vehicle traffic from this area.

In addition, Capital Improvement staff and Community Services Director visited multiple parks and air boat launches throughout the state.

Kimley-Horn provided the county with a conceptual plan for various improvements to the Clif Betts, Jr. Lakeside Recreation Area, which included an airboat launch, parking areas and other park components.

The project elements include:
• Organized boat trailer parking,
• Stabilized vehicular travelways,
• Lake bank protection,
• Kayak/canoe launch,
• Floating dock,

• Drainage improvements,
• Lighting,
• Landscape improvements,
• Performance stage
• Airboat launch.

According to the staff report, the county has been awarded a Florida Recreation Department Assistance Program Grant in the amount of $50,000 for the construction of an airboat launch at this location. This grant will be used for construction costs once the professional services portion of this project is completed.

In other business at the Aug. 10 meeting, commissioners also agreed to contract with Kimley Horn to perform a Structural Feasibility Study for the Hardening of the HRS Building. They hope to bring the HRS building up to Hurricane Category 4 shelter standards.