The Watershed Committee will end its six-year lease at Fellows Lake Marina and Miller Park, north of Springfield, Missouri, at the end of the 2026 season due in part to continued financial losses. Watershed will operate through 31 October as City Utilities of Springfield (CU) prepares for the transition.
In an announcement, CU said both organisations had worked to improve the visitor experience and make the marina and recreational operations more financially sustainable, but Watershed continued to operate at a loss.
CU added that it supports the decision to end the lease, and that the partnership will continue through efforts to protect drinking water and support Watershed’s mission in Springfield and Greene County. Plans for the 2027 marina and store operations are now being assessed, while trails in the area will remain open and Ozark Greenways will continue to maintain them.
Dwayne Fulk, City Utilities’ president CEO, said: “Watershed took a bold step in demonstrating that operating a recreation business at Fellows Lake can go hand in hand with protecting our community’s drinking water. Their vision to connect lake stewardship with outdoor experiences has left a meaningful legacy. As this chapter closes, we’re grateful for their commitment and look forward to continued partnership in safeguarding our water resources and serving our community with excellence.”
Mike Kromrey, Watershed executive director, commented: “This partnership has allowed us to accomplish meaningful work at Fellows Lake, and we’re genuinely thankful for the opportunity. While operating the marina and facilitating recreational opportunities at Fellows Lake is no longer financially sustainable for us, we remain committed to collaborating with CU to support clean water and the health of our community moving forward.”
