The recreation season at Allatoona Lake was just beginning to gear up when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In response, many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas were closed, following guidance from corps headquarters and the state of Georgia’s stay-at-home orders. However, many corps areas that were already open were able to stay open. Cooper’s Furnace and Riverside Day Use Areas, including the Etowah Disc Golf Course, stayed open. Most ramps, and all trails and trailheads, stayed available to the public.
As we head into the month of June, please be aware of changes in the recreation program during these unprecedented times. First, corps campgrounds are tentatively set to open June 1. As a change to usual policy, campground sites will be by reservation only, and there will be no walk-ins. The public can download the recreation.gov app, or visit the recreation.gov website, to make reservations. Visitors will not be allowed at campsites, and no more than eight people are allowed on each site. Campers will be asked to be aware of social distancing, and there will be capacity limits for restroom and shower facilities. Remember to bring your own soap and hand sanitizer when visiting any corps-operated area.
The Allatoona boating community is passionate about getting on the water, and we want to ensure visitors remain safe while boating. Practicing the following recommendations can help improve visitor safety while recreating on the water.
It is important to stay active and healthy in these uncertain times. Fresh air, nature and outdoor activities are the perfect way to maintain and improve your mental and physical health. The corps will continue to keep the public up-to-date on any changes regarding the recreation program at Allatoona. In the meantime, be safe, keep healthy, and please recreate responsibly.
– Christopher Purvis, lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security.
Also consider the following guidelines:
• Depart the ramp area as quickly as possible when launching and retrieving your boat, and make sure to distance yourself at ramps and along the shoreline.
• If a boat launch appears to be crowded, considervisiting a different boat ramp, or try again at a different time of the day.
• As you head out for a day on the lake, be prepared, be safe, and, most importantly, always wear a life jacket.
Leave a Reply