128 Park Circle, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
NEED
Lake Ozark’s Bagnell Dam Strip was once the thriving center of Lake Ozark commerce, stretching from the banks of the Bagnell Dam on Bus. Loop Hwy 54 to the west nearly ¾ of a mile to Lake Ozark’s Mills Elementary School….The “Strip” hosts over 100 independently owned businesses. The Strip also lays claim to nearly 3500’ linear feet of Lake of the Ozarks shoreline-- All of which is presently controlled by private ownership.
Lake of the Ozarks is the largest lake in the state of Missouri and one of the largest man made lakes in the world. Stretching through four Missouri counties, Benton, Camden, Miller and Morgan the Lake of the Ozarks impounds 600 billion gallons of water and covers 58,000 acres of land. This much water and a great central location just 30 miles southwest of Missouri’s state capital Jefferson City, make Lake of the Ozarks one of Missouri’s most popular destinations. Once noted for its serine beauty and businesses that catered to the tourists, Lake of the Ozarks has evolved into a destination of retirement home owners as well as leisure activity seekers offering at last count some 15 golf courses. Keeping up with the ever changing consumers needs will define Lake of the Ozarks as one of Missouri’s most visited locations in the future.
Following the construction of Bagnell Dam in 1931 much of what is known as the Bagnell Dam Strip was developed commercially with fishing camps, cabins, resorts, cafes, souvenir shops, themed attractions, and grocery stores. Some of these businesses still exist today. A recent study shows that over 75 % of the structures on the Bagnell Dam Strip are over 40 years of age with the average building age being 60 years old. These facts support the need for well planned revitalization of the once booming tourist trade conducted along the strip. A key component to this revitalization would be the development of public transient boat slips, gas dock and other necessary amenities.
With the current movement to redevelop major portions of the Bagnell Dam Strip the need for public access could not be more necessary than at any other time in the Lakes 75 year history. Renderings of the future of Bagnell Dam Strip clearly show the progress of organizations such as the Bagnell Dam Strip Association and its efforts to facilitate Economic Development on the Bagnell Dam Strip.
Businesses on the strip today have identified two major deficiencies within the area- parking and the general lack of accessibility to the waters of Lake Ozark. The waterfront along the Bagnell Dam Strip comprises the most densely independently developed commercial shoreline at the Lake of the Ozarks-- yet offers no public access. For three quarters of a century the general public has not had adequate if any public access to the shores of Bagnell Dam with most property remaining privately held. The opportunity for public access has been difficult based on property owners individual desires and the relatively small area of lakefront that comprises the Strip. A characteristic of the Strip which identifies the strip as a unique destination is that it is accessible to pedestrians, the only area at the Lake of the Ozarks with ¾ mile of shopping and various attractions all accessible by foot.
Contact:
Information on upcoming events and how you can help can be directed to info@bagnelldam.com.
Or visit www.bagnelldam.com