Hogansville looks at lake ideas

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 2, 2015

By James Morton

jmorton@civitasmedia.com

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HOGANSVILLE — Members of the Hogansville City Council took a workshop field trip Friday to several areas in Alabama for ideas about the Lake Jimmy Jackson recreation area project.

Stops included a recreation area in Oxford, a lake in Lovejoy and a Boy Scout Camp.

The field trip was an opportunity for Council members to see phased operations, said James Woods, Hogansville city manager.

Council members looked at horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, picnic areas and swimming areas for ideas of the best ways to build the recreation area in phases. One idea is for picnic area use to be rented out to residents to help pay for the different phases of construction along the lake.

The lake will not allow for motorized watercraft, but this does not include trolling motors. Residents will be able to fish from the lake, use paddle boats, swim and participate in other water recreation.

Council members and staff also looked at ideas for age appropriate swimming areas to ensure safety.

Jimmy Jackson Lake, formerly known as Blue Creek Reservoir, was renamed after the late mayor of Hogansville in February. While in office, Jackson encouraged City Council members to develop the lake into a recreational area for Hogansville residents.

James Morton is a reporter at LaGrange Daily News. He may be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2154.