Some Park Openings Delayed

The US Army Corps of Engineers at Canyon Lake says several Canyon Lake-area parks won’t open until May due to the transition between service contracts.

The move could affect area businesses that depend heavily on business from visitors over Easter weekend. However, the Corps, which typically opens seasonal parks on April 1, is anticipating another great summer of water-based recreation.

“Progress towards awarding new service contracts is underway and we hope to have these seasonal parks open by May 1,” says Canyon Lake manager, Marcus Schimank. “These service contracts are essential to the responsible operation of the parks and without services such as refuse disposal, cleaning, mowing and portable toilets it is not possible to open areas for public use.”

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding with the delayed opening of our seasonal parks while we work to award new service contracts,” he says.

Commenting on Facebook, Comal County Commissioner Pct. 4 Jen Crownover explained:  “It all boils down to funding. The Corps parks are regulated by the Feds…only Congress can make those changes. Our local lake manager is just following orders and stretching his budget as far as he can. I absolutely wish we could get them open year-round, too.”

The following parks will not open on April 1 but are planned to open on May 1 pending award of new service contracts:

• Cranes Mill Park Tent Camping Area
• North Park Camping Area
• Canyon Park Camping Area
• Canyon Park Swim Beach
• Comal Park Day Use Area

The following parks are currently open and will remain open on April 1:

• Potter’s Creek Loop 1 Camping Area
• Cranes Mill Park RV Loop
• Overlook Park
• Guadalupe Park
• Little Jacob’s Creek Park (Boat Ramp 17)
• Potter’s Creek West Ramp (Boat Ramp 21)