Boat Ramp Closing For Construction - City of Lake Ozark

City of Lake Ozark Awarded $300,000 Community Development Block Grant for Demolition Project: Lake Ozark, MO — The City of Lake Ozark has been named the recipient of a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to support a $433,030 building demolition project focused on improving safety and redevelopment opportunities in the Bagnell Dam Strip area. The remaining $133,030 required to complete the project will be provided to the City by the property owner, Reese Development. As a result of the grant award, 23 structures on and around the historic Bagnell Dam Strip will be demolished. All properties included in the project are owned by Reese Development. Among the structures slated for demolition is the former Shoreland Motel located on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Additional buildings included in the project consist of a series of residential and commercial structures located along Carls Drive, Ballenger Road, Thornsberry Road, Beach Drive, and School Road. These structures were determined eligible for CDBG funding due to their advanced state of blight and lack of structural safety, in accordance with adopted building codes. Several of the buildings contain asbestos and other environmental contaminants, and all have been formally certified by the City as dangerous buildings. Buildings were prioritized based on safety concerns, structural deterioration, and overall risk to the public. To qualify for the grant, each structure was required to have been vacant for an extended period of time. Demolition work associated with this project is expected to commence in 2026. “We are proud to partner with the City of Lake Ozark and the Missouri Department of Economic Development to continue the momentum of the last two years on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip,” stated Peter Colovos, Chief Operating Officer of Reese Development. “Brick by brick and block by block we are committed to redeveloping this jewel of the Midwest,” he added. Reese Development has invested more than $600,000 over the last two years in cleaning up the Strip and demolishing dilapidated structures. City Administrator Harrison Fry expressed appreciation for the state’s support:“We are grateful to the State of Missouri for recognizing the opportunity to breathe new life into the Bagnell Dam Strip corridor. This project begins by removing long-standing, dilapidated structures so that safe, meaningful redevelopment can move forward. I would also like to thank Reese Development for their cooperation and commitment to property revitalization, as well as grant writer Tonya Raines for preparing a successful application that made this project possible.” For more information, please contact the City of Lake Ozark.

Posted on December 31, 2025 by harrison

Boat Ramp Closing For Construction

The City of Lake Ozark announces the temporary closure of the public boat launch located on Bluebird Drive to allow for demolition and reconstruction of the boat ramp. The closure will be in effect from January 12, 2026, through February 16, 2026, weather permitting.

Hardrives Excavation LLC will perform the reconstruction work during this period. The ramp area will reopen to the public once all work has been completed and safety inspections are finalized.

The upgraded boat ramp will feature significant improvements designed to better serve the boating community. The new ramp will be four feet wider and 13 feet longer than the current facility, providing enhanced access and maneuverability for boaters. Additionally, the concrete slab will be constructed with increased thickness to ensure greater durability and extend the lifespan of the ramp well beyond that of the current structure.

“We appreciate all of the work everyone has done to help these upgrades come to fruition,” said Mayor David Ridgely. “Our hope is that the new public boat ramp will be a great community asset for years to come.”

Winter weather conditions may affect the construction schedule. The City will provide updates on the project timeline as needed.

Boaters are encouraged to plan accordingly and seek alternative launch facilities during the closure period. For questions regarding the project or alternative boat launch locations, please contact Matt Michalik, Public Works Director, at (573) 365-5378 or pwd@cityoflakeozark.net.