Jake Voss Pier at Lake Apopka reopens with ADA improvements

Lake Apopka's Jake Voss Pier has reopened with some upgrades thanks to the town of Oakland. 

A complete refurbishment of the Jake Voss Fishing Pier was recently completed, including enhanced paved parking, driveway and sidewalks, which are all up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The improvements will make the serene public space along the shores of Lake Apopka more accessible for all.

Public Works Director Mike Parker said the sidewalk to the pier is fully ADA accessible and even has a bench for locals to relax and enjoy the naturalistic scenery. 

“When visiting the pier, you will enter down a newly paved driveway, situated beneath the branches of one of Oakland’s oldest oak trees,” Parker said. “Down at the fishing pier itself, you will find a wide walkway out over the water to the fishing area, an area which has also been made ADA-compliant.”

According to the town of Oakland, the refurbishments were funded through parks and recreation impact fees, which are paid for by new development.

HISTORY

Jefferson “Jake” Voss was born in 1923 and served as an Oakland Town Commissioner from 1969 to 1973, and as mayor from 1991 to 1996.

Voss loved the lake and was an avid fisherman, grove owner, and businessman.

The pier was first constructed in 2002 on the former site of a grand two-story fishing and boat livery rental business.

When Voss died in 2012, the pier was dedicated in his honor in 2016.

To learn more about the rich history of Oakland, visit the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at 126 W. Petris Ave., or click here.