Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tammy Miller, Parks and Recreation - (573) 874-7465

Lake on Philips Property Open for Fishing

COLUMBIA, MO (July 16, 2008) - Columbia Parks and Recreation is opening the lake on the tract of land known as the Philips property. The land is located next to the Bristol Lake development north of Gans Road and west of Highway 63. The 40-acre lake will open for fishing on July 18.

Parks and Recreation staff has been working with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regarding the management of the lake. MDC fishing regulations apply and have been posted at the site.

Daily limits include six bass (those between 12 and 15 inches must be released), four catfish, 30 crappie and 20 other fish combined.

No swimming will be allowed at Philips lake, but boating is allowed. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric/battery trolling motors can be used on the lake and will need to be carried in and carried out until the boat ramp is constructed. There is no parking lot at the lake; fishermen are encouraged to park along Bristol Lake Parkway. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The lake is part of a 140-acre tract of land that will be developed as a city park. The tract, formerly known as the E.M. Philips farm, is comprised of a 63-acre area that was donated by Bristol Lake Investments and 77 acres that the city purchased in 2004.

The city has obtained a $157,500 grant from MDC for development of the area around the lake, which will include an entrance road, parking lot, boat ramp, boat dock, restrooms, sidewalk and lighting. These amenities will be phase I of the park development. The park will also be master planned in conjunction with the Crane property for the development of a southeast regional park.

Parks and Recreation staff has submitted development plans for Phase I to MDC and is waiting for approval. Once that step is completed, staff will submit plans through the public and City Council approval process.

The main access to the Philips property, Ponderosa Road, is temporarily closed between Blue Acres Trailer Park and just south of Gans Road. To reach the Philips property, take Grindstone Parkway to Bearfield Road, turning south. From Bearfield, turn east on Gans Road, then north on Bristol Lake Parkway.

Call 874-7460 or log onto www.GoColumbiaMo.com for more information.

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