As part of the phased reopening of recreation facilities following COVID-19 closures, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announced Tuesday morning it will reopen Corps-managed day-use recreation areas and amenities within the Cumberland River Basin in Kentucky, which includes Lake Barkley, on Monday, June 29th.
Spokesman with the Nashville District Bill Peoples says the opening will include all Corps-operated swimming areas and group picnic shelters in the commonwealth, including Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, and Laurel River Lake. He points out that some group picnic shelters have a maximum capacity in excess of the current social gathering limitations, which may result in temporary lower capacity limits to stay within state local gathering size restrictions. He says Corps-managed day-use recreation and amenities in Tennessee reopened June 12.
The Corps reminds all visitors to follow these steps to recreate responsibly by honoring the 6-foot social distance rule, stay away from parks and recreation areas if you are sick or have symptoms, keep parks clean by practicing “pack in and pack out” etiquette, and always wear a life jacket when near the water.
According to Peoples, state-operated or concessionaire operated beaches and recreation areas at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lakes have their own policies in place. The Nashville District recommends that the public contact the respective state agencies for their operating status.
