STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren River Lake has finally reached its normal summer pool level, but visitors are still waiting to find out when popular swimming beaches will reopen.
The lake is now at 552 feet above mean sea level, the summer pool level that allows for normal recreation.
For much of the summer, low water at Barren River Lake has affected boating and other activities.
The lower levels left some ramps and shoreline areas difficult to access and forced managers to close designated swimming spots.
Sunset Beach at Barren River Lake State Resort Park has been closed all summer because of the low water.
Other swimming areas around the lake have also been shut down for safety.
With the lake now back at summer pool, the water is high enough for recreation areas to open, however lake managers have not given an official timetable for when Sunset Beach or other areas will be available to the public again.
That means families and visitors looking to swim at the lake still have to wait for an announcement from lake management.
At the same time, two recreation areas are about to close temporarily for maintenance.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Port Oliver and Quarry Road recreation areas will be closed while crews seal coat and stripe the parking lots.
The Corps said the gates to both areas are expected to close the evening of Sunday, July 19 and remain closed until the work is completed.
Officials say the project is weather dependent and is expected to take several days.
The Corps is urging visitors to avoid closed areas and to obey all posted signs and barricades.
They say those steps are necessary for both visitor safety and the safety of work crews on site.
Key Facts
– Barren River Lake has reached its summer pool level of 552 feet above mean sea level
– Low water forced the closure of Sunset Beach and other swimming areas all summer
– Higher water is now sufficient for recreation areas to safely open
– There is no official timetable yet to reopen swimming beaches
– Port Oliver and Quarry Road areas will close starting Sunday, July 19, for parking lot work
– U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the work is weather dependent and expected to take several d
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