Tourism development planned for Clear Creek

DOUBLE SPRINGS - A petition approved by the Winston County Commission at its June 3, meeting has given permission to form and incorporate an improvement district for Winston County with the sole purpose of boosting tourism and economic development.
The Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve project being planned on 67 acres of property on the Clear Creek part of Smith Lake is now full speed ahead after its formation was officially approved by the commission.
The commission unanimously approved Resolution 2025-03, which seeks permission to form and incorporate the district and to authorize such an incorporation.
Voting in favor were Commission Chairman David Cummings, District 1 Commissioner Rutger Hyche and District 2 Commissioner Roger Hayes.
Now that the foundational principles for the development have been approved, the development team is now collaborating with engineering, 

excavation and construction partners  to refine overall plans for the property, costs and timelines, according to a June 5, press release on the project issued by the Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve team.
“We remain committed to creating an outdoor destination that compliments the natural beauty of Lewis Smith Lake while delivering long-term benefits for local residents and businesses,” stated Lauren Humphries, developer and public relations, in the press release.
“The project is fully privately financed,” she added. “Winston County is providing no public funds, credit or guarantees to the development. All financial obligations rest solely with the development and its improvement district.”
Cummings asked Commission Attorney Jeff Mobley, who was present in the meeting room, to further explain the improvement district.
“We have reviewed the petition, the articles of incorporation and other documents submitted,” Mobley explained. 
“We have authorized the formation of an improvement district in Winston County,” Mobley continued. “The purpose of that is to allow developers to seek financing for a development that is going to be on (Smith) Lake.
“It’s going to be a wonderful development for camping and nature trails.  It’s just an amazing opportunity,” Mobley emphasized. 
“Obviously, there is a lot to be done,” he added. “(An) improvement district allows, when it is for public benefit, to issue bonds to help finance the development.”
Mobley emphasized the commission would not be responsible for any obligation regarding financing for the improvement district property.
“The county is not in any shape, form or fashion obligated on any financing they may receive in order to have this development,” Mobley pointed out.
Seated near Mobley were a group of residents who were property owners or investors, as well as legal representation concerning the property in the Clear Creek area that has been approved for development as the improvement district.
Fred Simpler, attorney for the development, told the commission he appreciated their support.
“I think it’s a great project for Winston County,” Simpler stated. “It will be an impressive project, well planned, well executed. 
“It will be a great revenue source and, of course, a great source of enjoyment for the county,” Simpler added. “Every place should be as comfortable to do business as Winston County.”
Justin Humphries, one of the project developers in attendance, stated, “We are extremely excited and happy to be a part of Winston County.”
Humphries explained the development will be a higher-end RV resort on about 67 acres of property located  in the Clear Creek area of Smith Lake.  Justin, his wife, Lauren Humphries and another investor came across the property. 
“It’s a prime place to do something,” Justin said. “Clear Creek doesn’t have a lot of things on it in general.
“It’s been a long road to get where we’re at now,” Justin continued.
“The plans are to have 200 RV spots,” he said. “We’ll have five to seven miles of hiking and bike trails.  The unique thing about the hiking and bike trails is this property features two unusual waterfalls, so the hiking trails will (go) around through there.”
The development will also feature tent camping located underneath the waterfall, according to developers.
“We’re aiming to have a 25,000-30,000 square foot water park, which will consist of two water slides and lazy rivers,” Justin continued. “I guess it will be like a mini-water park.”
The property also features 3,200 feet of waterfront area, Justin noted.
Although the county will not be under any financial obligation regarding the property’s development, it will benefit from sales tax the development will generate, Justin explained.
Also planned for the property will be a club house consisting of restaurants, stores and boat rentals, he added.
“We will have golf cart rentals, if people want to do that, but we will also have a boat launch,” he emphasized. “That’s one of the stipulations. The county commission really wanted a boat launch.”