[EXPIRED] Franklin Lock Campground Docks to Close, Okeechobee Waterway, Mile 121
For an excellent description of Franklin Lock and Dam Park by our good friends Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, go to: /?p=142643
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has announced it will close docks at the W.P Franklin Campground near Fort Myers effective immediately due to structural concerns.
The closure impacts four `boat-in’ docks at the campground north of the Franklin Lock & Dam. Officials at the campground identified structural issues with the docks that require significant repair.
Boat ramps at the campground and at the Franklin Recreation Area on the south side of the Lock & Dam will remain open as those facilities aren’t connected to the `boat-in’ docks.
`We recognize the inconvenience this closure may cause to people planning to use the docks as part of a trip to the Franklin Campground,’ said Steve Dunham, Chief of the Corps’ South Florida Operation Office. `However, the safety of the guests at our campgrounds is our top priority. We will work to reopen this facility as soon as it is safe to do so.’
Initial estimates indicate the docks will likely be closed for at least six months. `Boat-in’ docks allow up to eight houseboats and other similar vessels access to a camping facility similar to an RV park, except on the water.
The W.P. Franklin Campground along the north side of the Caloosahatchee River offers 30 RV/tent campsites and is open year round. The W.P. Franklin Recreation Area offers a swimming beach and boat ramp for daily use.
For more information on the Corps of Engineers recreation opportunities within the Jacksonville District, please visit the following website:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation.aspx
Contact
John Campbell
904-232-1004
john.h.campbell@usace.army.mil
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Franklin Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Franklin Lock
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Really? Really? We were there in May, with several other trawlers and our 33 ft sailboat, and never noticed any “structural issues.” I wonder what the issue is?