Dozer Training to Jumpstart Lake Olney Makeover

A plan to give heavy-equipment operators some hands-on training could become the first step toward the City’s goal of turning the long-neglected Lake Olney property into a more usable recreational destination.

Olney Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Tom Parker told the Olney City Council on Aug. 24 that Young County could use City-owned property at the lake for dozer training, allowing operators to gain experience while clearing land and roughing out areas that could eventually become parking lots and park space.

The work would be carefully planned rather than simply turning bulldozers loose on the property, Mr. Parker said. The area would first be staked and elevations marked so crews know where to work and to avoid creating erosion problems or damaging the existing road.

When the crews leave, “we’re left with something that’s usable,” Mr. Parker told the Council.

The proposed training would involve a five-man crew working for about three days, with operators potentially working for as many as three additional days. The initial work would concentrate on clearing and shaping areas on the front portion of the lake property.

The dozer project could dovetail with a broader City and OEDC effort to create a master plan for Lake Olney, including potential parking areas, picnic spaces and locations for food trucks.

The City was considering putting money toward lake improvements in the 2026-27 budget. Mayor Rue Rogers told OEDC board members during a separate planning discussion that Lake Olney is an underused City asset that has been neglected for years and could become a quality-of-life amenity for residents.

Mr. Parker also told the Council that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department programs could potentially help pay for fishing docks and other recreational improvements. A previous dock concept included a kayak launch, boat mooring, accessible entry and exit features and steps allowing children to get into and out of the water.

But the dozer plan has a jurisdictional wrinkle: Lake Olney is owned by the City but sits in Archer County, while the equipment used for the proposed training would belong to Young County.

City Administrator Andy Wolfe questioned whether Archer County would need to be involved before Young County equipment could operate there. City Attorney Dan Branum and Mr. Parker said officials will investigate what agreements are needed.

The Council expects to consider an interlocal agreement with Young County for the dozer training at a future meeting. Mayor Rogers also asked that an OEDC budget amendment related to the project be brought back for consideration.