Department of Parks
General Burnside State Park Pool Closed

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The swimming pool at General Burnside State Park near Somerset will be closed this summer because of a leak, state park officials announced today.

The pool, built in 1979, operated last summer but was losing a large amount of water on a daily basis. The Department of Parks hired a consultant to give advice on the necessary work to correct the problem. However, the leak worsened this year and repairs could not be made in time for the 2006 summer season.

Once information is received on the necessary repairs and the cost to perform the work, a decision will be made on what action to take. Even if the repairs were completed during the summer, it would be unlikely enough lifeguards could be hired that late in the season to reopen the facility.

Park visitors will be informed of other water activities in the area including the 20-acre city water park –SomerSplash -- scheduled to open soon.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov