Bratonia Park on Lake Lavon is one of several parks to be closed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Twin Groves Park, Tickey Creek Park and Clear Lake Park have been offered to the city of Princeton. Bob Wieland/Princeton Herald.com

The future of three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks on Lake Lavon will soon be decided by the Princeton City Council. A 99-year non-cost lease of the parks was on the agenda for council’s Oct. 27 meeting that was cancelled for lack of a quorum.

The Princeton Community Development Corporation voted Aug. 20 to spend up to $50,000 per year to maintain Twin Groves Park, Tickey Creek Park and Clear Lake Park. 

“If no action is taken, the Corps will ultimately close these parks permanently and convert them into ‘Wildlife Management Areas’, removing them from future public recreational use,” said Jim Wehmeier, chief executive officer of the Princeton Community Development and Economic Development Corporations. The Corps had already made the decision to close Bratonia Park.

“These parks are underutilized and poorly maintained,” Wehmeier said. “Incorporating them into our overall quality-of-life and tourism strategy will greatly enhance public access and visibility.

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By Bob Wieland |[email protected]