Continuing the resolution of the 2024 legislative session, the Kane County Water Conservancy District (KCWCD/WCD) was given a grant of $9 million, intended for the Cove Reservoir project.
From left to right, photos by Ty Gant:
With the new dock in place, there’s potential for foot traffic to this small island - which means potential for landscaping a new picnic spot to enjoy the lake from.
With grant funding and outdoor rec appropriations coming in, the Water Conservancy District is looking to expand and improve recreation options like the rope bridge and sand box.
Cove Reservoir is designed to be an equivalent location to Jackson Flat, serving Orderville and the Long Valley area. According to WCD sources, Cove Reservoir has potential to rival or exceed the size and scope of Jackson Flat, funded in part by the nine million dollars granted by the most recent legislative session. Further details and specifics are oncoming, with the WCD agreeing to an interview for next week’s issue of the Southern Utah News.
In addition to this project, the WCD shared a few plans for future developments, at the Jackson Flat Reservoir as well. With the new dock installed, the district progresses to other improvements - one such project in the planning phase is the landscaping of the small piece of land just off the south shore of the reservoir. The new dock is designed, in part, with a walkway for foot access to that small island in mind - with that access in place, the WCD has plans to create a garden and construct a pavilion or gazebo. There are also plans in place for the expansion of the climbing rope bridge, climbing walls and sandbox just off the existing pavilion, as well as continued maintenance and improvement to the Sherri Belle Trail running the perimeter of the reservoir.
The Water Conservancy District has contact information and an avenue for questions and feedback on their website at kcwcd.com. Additionally, as a county SSD, their meetings - held every other Thursday at their office near Jackson Flat and the Kaneplex - are of public record and open to public attendance. Agendas, minutes and recordings are available on the KCWCD website and the Utah Public Notice website.
