Posted on May 20, 2026
ALVA, Fla. (May 15, 2026) — Residents from the Cascades at Riverhall community visited the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area yesterday for an educational tour highlighting recreation opportunities, environmental stewardship and the critical role of the lock along the Okeechobee Waterway.
The tour was led by Jacksonville District acting lead ranger Megan Parsons, lock operator Jason Pritt and USACE volunteer Cassie Cullen. Approximately 20 community members participated through the Cascades at Riverhall group “Our Backyard,” which explores local attractions and educational destinations throughout Southwest Florida.
During the visit, participants explored the recreation area visitor center exhibits and learned about the park’s Engineering with Nature reforestation site, native Florida ecosystems and ongoing stewardship efforts managed by the Jacksonville District.
“Our goal is to help connect the community with the natural and operational resources that exist right here in their own backyard,” Parsons said. “When visitors learn how the lock functions, explore our recreation areas and discover local wildlife habitats, they gain a better understanding of how USACE supports both the environment and the surrounding communities.”
Cullen also shared information about volunteer opportunities and discussed her experiences supporting the Corps over the past several years.
The tour concluded at the W.P. Franklin Lock, where Pritt provided an overview of the Okeechobee Waterway and explained how the lock supports regional navigation and water management operations. Community members were able to walk through the lock area and observe its functions firsthand.
“The lock is an important part of the Okeechobee Waterway system and plays a major role in maintaining safe navigation and managing water movement throughout the region,” Pritt said. “Tours like this give people a chance to see those operations up close and understand the impact they have on local communities.”
Often considered a hidden gem by local residents, the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area offers walking trails, waterfront views, educational exhibits and opportunities to learn about the Corps’ environmental and navigation missions. USACE staff encourage visitors to take advantage of the beautiful weather by coming out and exploring the site and to participate in future educational programs and community events.
To learn more about W.P Franklin Lock, visit: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Navigation-Locks/WP-Franklin-Lock/ and follow us on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict.
