The Town of Magnolia Springs clarified Monday that it has not closed the Magnolia Landing boardwalk, which remains partially inaccessible due to a property dispute.

The announcement was posted outside the entrance to the boardwalk and shared on the town’s Facebook page.

“Following the resolution of two lawsuits, the town no longer owns the entire property that the boardwalk was originally built on,” the town said in a Facebook post. “A portion of the boardwalk now crosses private property. The property owner, wishing to avoid potential liability, has placed a barrier across the section that runs through their land.”

According to the notice, the town still owns land at both the beginning and end of Magnolia Landing and said it remains committed to ensuring continued public access to the river.

“We are looking into our options to reopen Magnolia Landing for public use. However, this process will take some time,” the town said.

Until further notice, the boardwalk will remain closed at the private property line. A copy of the town's notice is also posted near the beginning of the boardwalk.

Comments on the town’s Facebook post were varied. Residents expressed frustration and confusion over the closure, questioning why the property could not be sold or donated to maintain public access. Some said they worry that private interests are limiting enjoyment of the river, while others acknowledged the legal complexities behind the dispute.

Many noted long-standing public use of the area, lamenting that popular swimming spots are no longer fully accessible. Others sympathized with the property owner, recognizing potential liability and the costs of maintaining the boardwalk. The conversation underscored tensions between private property rights and community access, with some asking who will pay for future improvements or alternative access routes.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes our residents and visitors. Like many of you, we are deeply saddened by the outcome of the lawsuits, but we remain dedicated to restoring full access at a future date,” the town concluded in the notice.