OZAWKIE ? Banker Jason Pickerell, of Valley Falls, said the idea that Perry Lake could support 24 more homes, three second homes and a 35-room spa resort was a little disappointing.

“I thought we had more to offer than that,” he said. “People don’t mind driving 45 miles to another beautiful lake to get away from those big cities.”

Pickerell was among those Tuesday afternoon at the American Legion Post in Ozawkie, where dozens of other Jefferson County residents heard results of a state study on potential demand for development at Perry, Clinton and other Kansas lakes.

Pickerell said he was unimpressed with what he heard and uncertain the recent study would advance lakeside development.

“There’s really nothing developed to take it to the next level,” he said.

The public presentation of the study’s results was one of several scheduled, including a session today in Lawrence. Various state agencies commissioned an outside consulting firm to conduct the study for $100,000.

Two-year-old Adam Ducey, Kansas City, Kan., waits for his parents Mike and Christina Ducey along the swim beach at Clinton Lake before jumping into the water Tuesday afternoon. State agencies are seeking public comment this week about studies saying Clinton and Perry lakes would be good sites for spa resorts, more homes and other attractions.

“We are not talking about having a fire sale at the public land and reservoir,” said Ken Grotewiel, assistant director of the Kansas Water Office.

Grotewiel and Ray Hammarlund, of the Commerce Department, gave an overview of the study and potential developments that ultimately would need support of Perry Lake’s owner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to move forward.

Shannon Showalter, president of the Perry Lake Assn., said the study could help his group tout the lake to developers.

“Part of it’s really positive because it at least gets the information out in the public view,” he said. “The negative part (is) I think it’s stuff that we already felt and knew.”

Showalter, who owns a harbor store on the lake’s west side, said he also was interested in drawing more public activities to the lake. Housing development already is happening, he said.

Kenneth Wade, operations project manager for the Corps at Perry Lake, said his office was open to hearing new ideas for development. But the Corps also has an obligation to protect the natural resources at the lake, he said.

Grotewiel said the study was meant only to aid local governments and groups as they plan and seek development.

“You can either have haphazard developments, or you can shape it,” he said.

The study found that Clinton Lake could support a 150-room hotel, a 40-room spa, more marina slips and an 18-hole golf course along with residential and second homes.