Agencies to present proposed Lake Pleasant recreation management plan alternatives

(Peoria) - As the population in Maricopa County continues to increase, so does the demand for recreational opportunities on public lands. One area in particular that has witnessed a spike in activity is the northern portion of Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

Residents have begun exploring the area in search of places to camp, fish, mountain bike, ATV and a host of other activities. Unfortunately, several of the activities currently taking place in the area are incompatible with the parks 1995 Master Plan which identifies the area as a conservation area.

For this reason, the Bureau of Reclamation, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and Bureau of Land Management began working on a recreation management plan that would allow the partnering agencies to protect the land while providing park visitors with an assortment of recreational opportunities.

In May, the agencies hosted a public meeting to gather information from the community on how they were currently recreating in the area and to discuss future opportunities. At 6:30 p.m. on June 22, the agencies will host a follow-up public meeting at Vistancia Elementary School located at 30009 North Sunrise Point in Peoria to discuss the findings and future opportunities for the area.

For additional information on the project, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant/nlp.aspx.

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