FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has announced it will close docks at the W.P Franklin Campground near Fort Myers effective immediately due to structural concerns.
The closure impacts four “boat-in” docks at the campground north of the Franklin Lock & Dam. Officials at the campground identified structural issues with the docks that require significant repair.
Boat ramps at the campground and at the Franklin Recreation Area on the south side of the Lock & Dam will remain open as those facilities aren’t connected to the “boat-in” docks.
“We recognize the inconvenience this closure may cause to people planning to use the docks as part of a trip to the Franklin Campground,” said Steve Dunham, Chief of the Corps’ South Florida Operation Office. “However, the safety of the guests at our campgrounds is our top priority. We will work to reopen this facility as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Initial estimates indicate the docks will likely be closed for at least six months. “Boat-in” docks allow up to eight houseboats and other similar vessels access to a camping facility similar to an RV park, except on the water.
The W.P. Franklin Campground along the north side of the Caloosahatchee River offers 30 RV/tent campsites and is open year round. The W.P. Franklin Recreation Area offers a swimming beach and boat ramp for daily use.
For more information on the Corps of Engineers recreation opportunities within the Jacksonville District, please visit the following website:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation.aspx
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Release no. 14-047