Lincoln County took over the maintenance and operation of Cherokee Park on Monday, March 15. The 234-acre park was formerly managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Lincoln County has entered into a five-year lease with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which will allow the county to operate one of the most frequented day-use recreation areas on Clark’s Hill Lake.

All fees were waived by the corps.

As of Monday, March 15, the county took over the operation and maintenance of Cherokee Park, located on the Augusta Highway near the Columbia County line. The park attracts approximately 85,000 visitors a year.

According to Wade Johnson, chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, “Lincoln County’s operation of Cherokee Park will allow our county to enhance its recreation program in the coming years. We intend to keep the park operating with the same level of service that the public has come to expect from the corps of engineers.”

Johnson went on to say the county will operate the 234-acre park on a day-to-day basis, with rental and other fees as well as the revenues from park passes coming to the county.

“For the first two years or so, we plan to just maintain the park as it is,” the chairman continued. “Then, as we are able to collect revenues, we hope to develop the park by building a handicap fishing pier, an amphitheater, another pavilion with campsites around it, bath houses, and so forth. But it will take time, because we need to conduct an environmental study (EA) before any work can be done.”

An environmental study will cost the county around $30,000.

At the present time, Cherokee Park features two pavilions, two beaches, five boat ramps in one location, a fish cleaning station, picnic sites, and a courtesy dock.

In other comments, Chairman Johnson indicated that Lincoln County will honor the corps’ annual day-use pass until July 1.

Groups or individuals wishing to schedule special events, purchase a Lincoln County annual part pass, or rent group shelters at Cherokee Park should contact the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Office at 706- 359-5523.

In his remarks, Scott Hyatt, Thurmond operations project manager for the corps, said, “This is a great partnering opportunity for the Army Corps of Engineers and Lincoln County. We look forward to a seamless transition with continued quality service for visitors as well as improvements to the Cherokee recreation area in the future.”