Parks along Lake Travis losing money

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As Travis County parks employees have to turn boating enthusiasts away at Lake Travis, summer income from a popular summer recreational activity is drying up.

"Our weekly gross is probably down about 75 percent," said Travis County Parks supervisor, Jim Talent. "Usually by now, our trailer parking would be full and we'd have a line almost outside of the park. And, now you pretty much have the place to yourself."

Of course, that's not bad news for kayakers who are anxious to use a speed boat free lake.

"We knew all of the public boat ramps are closed," said Jim Cargill. "That's why we brought the kayaks because we knew there wouldn't be anybody out here."

But, a private lake for kayaking or canoeing comes with a hefty price tag. The county is losing thousands of dollars a week, as boaters go to Marble Falls or other destinations to boat. Picnic benches sit empty and playscapes sit untouched in the sun.

"This has really impacted our visitation," said Talent. "I think all the parks on Lake Travis as a whole has really been impacted by this."

However, the county and the LCRA are working on taking advantage of the drought to extend the boat ramp at Mansfield dam. Talent said the funding is secured and plans are in the works to revamp the ramp in preparation for another drought.

"That way we wouldn't have to close it," said Talent.

Lake Austin is still available to boaters and those with private boat ramps can use Lake Travis with caution. As far as when activity will pick up again, Talent said that all depends on the mood of mother nature.