Groundbreaking held for Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp project

[Marion County Parks & Recreation]
Shovels hit the soil on Thursday as a groundbreaking was held for the Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp project, after 14 years in the making.
The project originally started in October of 2012 but faced setbacks due to funding changes with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). A $2.23 million bid was awarded to BDI Marine Contractors LLC, a Hobe Sound firm, in June to begin construction.
The improvements for the park include building a boat ramp, floating dock system, restroom, parking lot, retaining wall, concrete driveway, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalks and landscaping, according to the Marion County Parks &Recreation Department.
“This groundbreaking included several members of the Marion County community. Marion County elected officials, Parks & Recreation staff, Marion County Tourist Development, Florida Wildlife Commission representatives, and construction partners Kimley-Horn, Tedder Boat Ramp Systems, and BDI Marine,” according to Parks & Recreation.
The park, at 5040 NW 191st Place, offers amenities such as the boat ramps, fishing, monofilament collection, picnic tables and restrooms. The public-use ramp provides access to Orange Lake, a “resource-based recreation destination for hunting and fishing, generating an estimated $2 million in economic impact each year based on information provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” the department noted.
“The improvements made would increase boating access and accessibility to Orange Lake in Marion County, comply with current ADA standards and provide safe access to Orange Lake,’’ according to the county. “Additionally, an improved park and boat ramp in this part of Marion County will enhance the local community by providing a premier venue for outdoor recreation, sport fishing, and tournaments.”
Including the Heagy–Burry Park Boat Ramp, there are seven improvement projects for marine areas in progress that FWC is funding across the state of Florida.
“These improvements will provide boaters enhanced access to the lake, increase Marion County’s ecotourism opportunities, and positively impact our local, regional, and state economies,” according to Parks & Recreation.