In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the significant usage of Lake County's Blueways, revealing that an average of over 9,000 vehicles per month have been recorded at Hickory Point over the past six months. This data is used to estimate attendance, applying a standard multiplier of 2.5 to gauge the number of visitors utilizing the area.

Lake County has made strides in its Blueway program, which is part of a statewide initiative managed by the Office of Greenways and Trails. The Blueway system, which began in the 1970s, now encompasses over 60 trails and more than 4,100 miles of waterways. Lake County has seen an increase in its designated Blueways from eight to eleven in recent years, integrating these water trails into the broader trails map.

Officials outlined plans for six additional Blueway trails, which are set to undergo a permitting process that could take up to two years, particularly with the involvement of the Army Corps of Engineers. The meeting also highlighted recent improvements in signage for the Blueways, with new signs being installed that comply with updated standards for waterway signage. These enhancements aim to improve navigation and accessibility for paddlers in the region.