Twin Points Opening 2016

The original plan for Twin Points. It didn't make the opening for Memorial Day 2012.

Here it was back in the day.

Although most remember the resort as arguably the best place on the lake to swim, hang out or to dock the boat and get a bite to eat, the property Twin Points sits on actually serves a different and absolutely critical purpose in protecting the entire area in a dire flood situation. the location is first and foremost an emergency spillway structure. The elevation of the property is designed to hold water to a level of two feet above the dam that holds in the waters of EML. Once the water tops that two-foot level above the dam, it’s designed to flow over the dam and erode the large rocks on the south side, collapsing it and allowing floodwaters to flow over the property occupied by the Azle Youth Association, down the lowlands and into Lake Worth, thereby saving valuable property and structures around the lake?

David Geary who is the reservoir manager and chief of LED for TRWD led the way in the tour along with Wayne Owen, Planning Director of TRWD. They answered all of our questions and were very forthcoming about the project. The first question I had is, “what took you so long”. Well, David couldn't have been more nicer in answering that. I'm not an engineer so I'll try to explain it in lay mans terms. The engineering of the project had to be right to protect the dam. ” Geary explained. “The design of the entire project was carefully planned, down to the angle and placement of the structures to allow the best possible water flow in a flood situation. The entire project is also constructed utilizing quality materials that will provide long life and minimal maintenance.” Phase One of the project had been accomplished at a cost of $1.5 million, Phase Two projected to cost about $3.5 million according to my sources. They had to dig down in several areas then construct hills to protect it if we ever had a problem with it. When you do a project as this one you have to think about many years down the line and how it's going to effect the lake and downstream.

David Geary explained to us what they are going to have at the park and how it's all going to operate. The park will have 350 parking spaces for cars that plan on going to the beach area for the day and 60 parking spaces that are already at the boat ramp. It will also include a new and improved swim beach, concessions building featuring restrooms and family changing rooms, two pavilions for larger gatherings like as family reunions, and several covered picnic tables with grills and sidewalks. They have done extensive research over the years on boat traffic, amount of boats, and people visiting facilities on surrounding lakes along with Eagle Mountain Lake to ensure adequate space for having a good time. They say the park area will open at 10:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM and will be open most everyday. They will charge $20.00 per car. Yes you can all pile in one car like you used to do at Burger’s Lake and you don't have to hide in the trunk. They want the cost to average around $2.50 a person. If you bring in a mini bus the price will double to $40.00 and so on up the ladder to again make that average of $2.50 a person. David says TRWD is in no way trying to make a profit on the park but just to pay for the expenses of park. They will have bathroom facilities all over. A first aid station will also be available to treat for heat stroke, cuts, heart attacks, and other minor things.

What the park will not have is an all out food concession stand but it will have a station where you can purchase sun tan lotion, beach items, etc. TRWD can't commit to a thing like that because of cost effectiveness and besides you can bring in your own food. That will again save the patrons some money in having to buy food there like a football or baseball game. David said on weekends their will be snack truck driving around serving up the usual snack truck items. Beer & Liquor will not be sold in the park also. If you decide to consume alcoholic beverages do it like you do at a TCU football game, LOL. The police will remove you from the park if they see a dozen beer cans around you on the ground and your making trouble with other patrons. Meaning, this is not a license to hold a beer bust. Don't make it obvious. Their will be no official lifeguards like their was at the old Twin Points Resort just a few men set out on the perimeter to ensure safety amongst the swimmers.

I have to say that I was really impressed by this project as I walked around the property and photographed it. I look forward to seeing the people having a good time at this facility.