Big Changes Arriving at Lake Fayette

The two public parks on Lake Fayette are now under new management. Recreation Resource Management (RRM) took over operations at Park Prairie and Oak Thicket parks this summer. The Lower Colorado River Authority owns the two parks and leased operations to RRM. The company manages 150 parks in nine states around the Country.

Warren Meyer, the company’s president, said RRM plans to spend $400,000 in cleanup and repairs at the two parks. RRM replaces all of the boat docks and upgraded the screened shelters.

“Over the next 18 months, we’ll add new stores, cabins and campsites,” Meyer said.

Meyer said entrance fees will remain the same through 2020. He said the company will institute some changes to the park rules. The parks will close their gates and shut off boat access to the lake after sunset. Local fishermen may not be too happy about that change.

Professional fishing guide Rick Denton of Plum told the Record he makes most of his income on the lake.

“The best fishing on the lake is just before sunrise and late afternoon when the sun is going down,” Denton said.

Denton said he has to be able to get his clients in the boat before sunrise. Sometimes he takes clients on an afternoon trip and finishes after dark

Denton said he hopes the new management will work with local fishermen to ensure continued access.

“We are open to working with groups for night fishing tournaments,” Meyer said.

When asked specifically if fishermen would be allowed to continue accessing the lake at night, Meyer said the lake would be closed to visitors at night, which he said was a policy consistent with other LCRAowned parks.

The change in management comes six months after what may be the most deadly drowning incident in the lake’s history. Three men from the San Antonio area drowned in the lake on the night of Feb. 8 after the small aluminum boat carrying them and two other men capsized and sunk. The two others were able to swim to shore and survived.