Mar. 12--EDMOND -- Property owners near a proposed park at Arcadia Lake have concerns about the changes construction will bring.

Judy Tuggle, representing SW Arcadia Lake Residents, told Edmond's Fish and Game Commission this week, "We want our group to be involved and have more input into the new park."

City officials are proposing the park on the far south end of the lake near 33rd Street and Air Depot Boulevard. The park has been named the Carl Reherman Park.

Tuggle said residents are worried about preservation of the area's wetlands and wildlife.

"We are worried about tearing down the trees and putting more concrete for a new boat ramp," Tuggle said. "I'm concerned about the fire hazard. There are no fire hydrants in that area. We are talking about homes 100 feet from picnic tables."

City Park and Recreation Director Jim Bowlin assured some 20 supporters and opponents of the park attending the meeting that city officials will protect the trees.

"We want to be sensitive to what is there," Bowlin said.

A city-county project to construct a road to the new park was under way last month but was stopped on the right of way after nearby property owners voiced concern.

New boat ramp Assistant City Manager Steve Commons has offered to have a public meeting where anyone interested can attend. A date hasn't been set.

The estimated more than $1 million project includes a gate house, boat ramp, dock, picnic pavilion, restrooms, fishing pier and picnic tables. The plan is to make the park open only during the day.

The new boat ramp would help in the relocation of the personnel water crafts on the lake, said Jim Roberts, chairman of the Fish and Game Commission.

"We feel there is a great need to have the park," Roberts said.

City officials have released a conceptual drawing of the project. But they are in the process of hiring an architect/engineering firm to come up with detailed design plans and an estimated cost.

Bowlin said there may be a grant available that would pay for 75 percent of the project. The city could be responsible for 25 percent of the cost.

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