The City of Tyler will hold a public meeting to gather input on the future of Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East on Monday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive. The input will be used to develop the Lake Tyler Master Plan that will define the future development and use of the lake.
Eight other stakeholder meetings have been held to collect additional information with groups including the homeowners surrounding the lake, the fishing, boating and recreation community, regulatory agencies and environmental groups. This next meeting is intended to get input from the general public about how the lake will be used in the future.
“We have held several stakeholder meetings,” said Tyler Water Utilities Director Greg Morgan. “However, we have not heard from the actual taxpayers who in essence own the lake – the citizens of Tyler. It is critical that their input is gathered as we move forward.”
An online survey has also been placed at www.MyTylerSurvey.com for citizens who are unable to attend the public meeting.
“During the Tyler 21 planning process, one of the community needs identified was the establishment of a master plan focused on Lake Tyler,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “The lake is one of Tyler’s principal water sources; as such, this has been the primary focus for the lake. Tyler 21 identified the lake as the “Jewel of East Texas” and the potential for this community asset to become a robust recreation and tourism destination. This plan will ensure this goal evolves in a strategic and thoughtful manner.”
The Tyler branch of Freese and Nichols, Incorporated has been charged with development of the master plan and has sub-contracted with local planning firm Planning Concepts for assistance. They are working with lake stakeholders to identify opportunities for future use as well as protecting the lake’s existing assets and its importance as a primary drinking water source for the City of Tyler.
Chapter seven, goal number four of the Tyler 21 Plan established goals related to the lake that will be explored during this planning process. Included are the potential for a trail system around the lake and improvement of recreational facilities including recreational vehicle amenities.
The master plan will encompass both Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. Lake Tyler was constructed in 1949 and covers approximately 2,400 surface acres. Lake Tyler East (2,500 acres) was completed in 1967 and connected to Lake Tyler by a channel, thereby, in essence, forming one lake. Currently the City of Tyler operates five boat ramps and two lakeside public recreation areas on the shores of the lakes.
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