Meade County is preparing to take over the campground at Otter Creek on March 1. The 2,200-acre park has been owned and operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife since 2014, but Meade County will soon take over the campground portion on a five-year lease with a five-year option.
The campground has at least 35 campsites that the county says will be available year-round and many others that would be available during the spring and summer. According to the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife (KDF), the campground has several different options that they have offered, including sites with electricity and water for $22/night, water only for $15/night, tent sites for $12/night, and equestrian campsites for $15. There are also four cabins available. It is unknown at this time what the county will charge. But at a Fiscal Court meeting, it was stated that the county believes the venture could bring in $1 million.
"We've done the cost analysis. We've done a lot of work with them (KFW) over what they were doing, what they are doing and some of the things they've recommended," Judge/Executive Troy Kok said on WMMG's Edgewise Show. "So, we're moving forward. That's really exciting that we'll pull that campground in."
The Judge said that the county will only take on the campground but has goals to possibly take on more of the park in the future.
"Let's become successful at one thing instead of taking more and then having failures," Judge Kok said about starting with just the campground.
The government-to-government lease will not cost taxpayers a dollar since it is a free lease agreement, but that doesn't mean there won't be costs. A Parks and Recreation Campground Manager position has been created, which will pay $47,715.20 a year and go up to $50,398.40 after six months. The park has also been left neglected in many ways for years, which may present problems as well, especially in regard to infrastructure. Turning off HWY 1638 into the main gate of the park, drivers are immediately presented with a roadway that is in terrible shape, filled with potholes, rough patches and dips where the pavement has settled. The campground itself will need some work also. Only time will tell if the park can return to its former glory.
