Just ahead of the summer tourism season, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has announced the closure of lakeside parks, campgrounds and beaches across the Southeast, with most in Georgia.
In a statement, the Corps said there are not enough workers to staff the 31 parks across six lakes.
“This decision comes after careful consideration of the safety and security of all visitors,” the statement said. “The well-being of our community is our top priority, and the current staffing levels do not allow us to maintain the necessary safety measures within our parks. This includes essential services such as park supervision, maintenance and safety monitoring that ensure a secure and enjoyable environment for all visitors. We will be continually assessing and reassessing closures throughout the summer.”
Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia was set to see the most closures with 20, according to the release, but Republican Congressman Rich McCormick said fewer sites will be shuttered.
McCormick, whose district includes part of Lake Lanier, said he spoke with the Corps and the closures will be more limited than originally announced.