Make memories at Mozingo Park
Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. Everyone has their memories of the place.
Whether it’s lounging on the beach, walking trails, camping, or hitting an albatross on the 12th hole — we all have a story, a memory from Mozingo.
Now, before I go any further, I do have to admit that the albatross story is my brother’s, not mine. I do, however, have plenty memories of great times at Mozingo of my own.
I’m sure you are all the same.
When the sun is shining and there’s a slight breeze, there’s no better place to be. I guess that’s why we have over a quarter of a million outside visitors each year. The campers, fisherman, and golfers enjoy what Mozingo Lake and Maryville have to offer so much that they generate over $9M in local sales.
My family and I visit Mozingo weekly when the weather permits. We hike, fish, golf, walk the trails, and sometimes just hang out at the beach. We are never alone when we’re out there. We’re surrounded by other families camping, boating and just plain making memories.
I have family that is spread all over the country as many of us do. It’s the world we live in. Some of my family comes to visit on a fairly regular basis. In the days leading up to their visit they talk about their cabin, the lake and all the local restaurants where they plan to eat. I’ve been told that they come for the lake and the food. I just happen to live here.
Serving on the Maryville City Council I’ve had the opportunity to visit with a lot of people about the two Mozingo related ballot questions placed on the April 5th election. Most are very supportive of the initiatives and others have questions. Above it all I’ve been able to hear about the great times people have had at the lake over the past 20 years.
The first question on the ballot is a renewal for the existing tax that is used to maintain the entire park. It will also allow for the park facilities to be updated as needed. It keeps things running at the high quality that we and visitors to our town are used to.
The second question on the ballot is the one that is really exciting.
The idea of a conference center at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park came before my time. Some visionaries on a previous City Council thought that it should be a goal. It has remained a top priority of not only the City Council but the Mozingo Advisory Board as well.
The Conference Center can be built for an eighth of a cent increase to the local park sales tax. This would come down to an $8 purchase costing 1 penny more than it does now for essentially a five-year period.
What does our community get in exchange? A facility that would host family reunions, weddings, professional conferences, and groups from all over the country that want to hold an event for their business or group with the beautiful backdrop of Mozingo Lake.
The best part is that all of these groups of people will spend money in our community. Money that will keep current business’s running, provide jobs, and possibly even lay the groundwork for new enterprise. Not to mention additional sales tax dollars that keep our pot holes filled.
Come to think of it, I think a Conference Center would be a great place to hold a family reunion. I have a side of the family that hasn’t had one in 10 years or so. It would be a perfect time for my family to make some new memories.
I hope you take time on April 5 to vote so that my family, your family, and our community can continue to make memories at Mozingo.
Jason McDowell
Citizen & Council member
