LAKE OZARK, Mo. -- Two new parking lots on Bagnell Dam Strip, with more than 50 spots for public use, are scheduled to open in early May - in time for events that bring thousands of visitors to the historic Lake Ozark business and entertainment district.
At a meeting last week, a task force leading efforts to increase public parking on the Strip discussed opening more spaces in front of Lake Ozark Christian Church and an off-street lot on Iguana Watersports-owned property closer to Bagnell Dam.
"The city (of Lake Ozark) has taken out the island by the (Lake Ozark) Christian Church, and it will soon be striped for additional parking," said Mike Page, task force member and owner of multiple businesses on the Strip. "We are not for sure how many spaces will be there, however, it will add additional parking we did not have before."
Page said the former Edgewater Resort, now owned by Iguana Watersports, will also be converted to public parking and will be open after the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals car show and in time for the Hot Summer Nights cruise-in series kick-off on May 8.
A large lot with access to about 180 parking spaces near Bagnell Dam will also be available for special circumstances. The owner has agreed to make it available for public parking during large special events and in emergency situations for other events.
Page said the task force discussed progress on a survey looking at right of way along the Strip. He said a survey is currently underway, examining 3,500 feet along the Strip from Heritage Elementary School to Bagnell Dam.
The city of Lake Ozark plans to tear down the former police building and convert the property into off-street public parking. Lake Ozark City Administrator Dave Van Dee said the city anticipates having the lot open for public parking by the start of the summer season. An estimated 20 possible spaces could be available on the property.
Page said additional progress has been made in securing a lot in the vicinity near Old Time Photos and behind Rock Island Line Bar and Grill on the Strip. He said several Strip property and business owners have indicated they are willing to cooperate to convert the property into public parking.
All told, the task force hopes to improve and add about 200 parking spaces to the current 371 available along the business district near Bagnell Dam.
Page said approximately 700 parking spaces have been eliminated over the past decade by public improvements, changes in lanes along the Strip and the loss of a parking lot next to Bagnell Dam.