The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will temporarily close several parks on Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George) this fall and winter – partly because of “tough” fiscal conditions.
“Everyone is being affected by reductions in federal, state and local government spending, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District,” Corps officials stated in a press release.
“These realities have led to a reduction in operations and maintenance services that will be provided to visitors at Corps-operated recreational facilities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.”
According to the release, seasonal schedules for some Lake Eufaula parks will be “compressed.” Bluff Creek and White Oak Creek Campgrounds will be closed from November through February while Hardridge, Cool Branch, Rood Creek and Highland day-use areas will close for the winter season from October through February.
“Recreation areas will remain open to the maximum extent possible; however, services such as mowing, cleaning and litter pick up will be significantly reduced, especially in remote, low-use areas,” said E. Patrick Robbins, Mobile District’s Chief of Public Affairs.
“We understand these temporary closures and reduced seasons may have a local economic impact, but our budget dictates we find savings in our recreation program.”
According to the release, services will be concentrated on the more heavily-used recreation areas during the peak season. In order to ensure that most campers are accommodated, adjustments are being made in the seasonal schedules and availability of facilities.
Facilities such as shower houses and comfort stations or restrooms will continue to operate in a safe, healthy manner; the frequency of cleaning will be reduced.
Portions of recreation areas, known as loops, may be temporarily closed. Facility repairs and damages that pose an immediate public health and safety threat will continue to be resolved immediately.
“Our goal is to provide a continuous, quality outdoor experience for our customers as we serve the public to the best of our ability,” Robbins said.
To contact a visitor center for more information about park operations, visit Mobile District’s website at www.sam.usace.army.mil and scroll under the “Find a recreation area” link.
“Everyone is being affected by reductions in federal, state and local government spending, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District,” Corps officials stated in a press release.
“These realities have led to a reduction in operations and maintenance services that will be provided to visitors at Corps-operated recreational facilities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.”
According to the release, seasonal schedules for some Lake Eufaula parks will be “compressed.” Bluff Creek and White Oak Creek Campgrounds will be closed from November through February while Hardridge, Cool Branch, Rood Creek and Highland day-use areas will close for the winter season from October through February.“Recreation areas will remain open to the maximum extent possible; however, services such as mowing, cleaning and litter pick up will be significantly reduced, especially in remote, low-use areas,” said E. Patrick Robbins, Mobile District’s Chief of Public Affairs.
“We understand these temporary closures and reduced seasons may have a local economic impact, but our budget dictates we find savings in our recreation program.”
According to the release, services will be concentrated on the more heavily-used recreation areas during the peak season. In order to ensure that most campers are accommodated, adjustments are being made in the seasonal schedules and availability of facilities.
Facilities such as shower houses and comfort stations or restrooms will continue to operate in a safe, healthy manner; the frequency of cleaning will be reduced.
Portions of recreation areas, known as loops, may be temporarily closed. Facility repairs and damages that pose an immediate public health and safety threat will continue to be resolved immediately.
“Our goal is to provide a continuous, quality outdoor experience for our customers as we serve the public to the best of our ability,” Robbins said.
To contact a visitor center for more information about park operations, visit Mobile District’s website at www.sam.usace.army.mil and scroll under the “Find a recreation area” link.
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