Department of Parks
Most State Park Swimming Pools Open For Memorial Day Weekend

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Most Kentucky State Park swimming pools will be open by the Memorial Day Weekend after renovation work was carried out to comply with a new federal law.

However, some work is not yet complete and a few pools will be closed for the holiday weekend.

The state parks, along with pool operators across the nation, have been working over the last year to bring their swimming pools in compliance with a federal law called the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2007.

The law requires major safety upgrades for drainage systems to protect swimmers from entrapment hazards under water. Due to project complications, primarily with the availability of approved and certified equipment from manufacturers, there have been delays in installing the equipment.

“The safety of our guests is our primary concern,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “We hope to have all 50 of our pools and spas open as soon as possible.”

The parks have been working with local health departments, which must approve the safety upgrades. Several wading pools will also be closed across the park system, but most large pools will be open by Memorial Day weekend.

Park customers may wish to call the park they plan to visit to check on the status of the swimming pools.

The pools at these state parks are not expected to be open by Memorial Day weekend: (An updated list of pool closings will be posted on the Kentucky State Park website at www.parks.ky.gov)

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

General Butler State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Pine Mountain State Resort Park

These beaches are currently closed, mostly due to high flood waters. Guests should call in advance to check on the status of beaches:

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Nolin Lake State Park

Barren River State Resort Park

Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Green River Lake State Park (water is dropping, call to check)

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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 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov