Tenn-Tom parks to close for winter season

Along with many other federal agencies striving to streamline costs while maintaining standards of service, the Corps plans to reduce operating expenses during the time of year when relatively few people visit.

"We can accommodate the area recreation demand during winter months without having to operate all of our parks at full capacity," said Douglas M. Blount, park manager.

According to Blount, some of the campground and day-use parks will be closed for the off-season.

From Amory northward the beaches will close Sept. 18. Beginning Oct. 31, the picnic areas on this portion of the project will close. Piney Grove Campground will close at this time, along with the boat ramp restrooms on the northern end of the waterway.

South of Amory on the Tenn-Tom, beaches will remain open through Sept. 30. Waverly picnic area will close Oct. 31.

Other planned closings for this portion of the waterway include Town Creek Campground, Pickensville Campground and Pickensville Day-use Area. These areas will close Nov. 15.

Another method the corps has found particularly beneficial in an era of tightening budget constraints is the use of volunteers in managing recreational facilities.

"We've been using volunteers on this project since day one," Blount said, for everything from trails built by scouts to patrols by Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The latest volunteer program involves volunteers "adopting" parks as Park Hosts in return for a free campsite at the park. According to Blount, the Corps is still accepting applications from individuals interested in serving as Park Hosts.

For more information on park closings or volunteer programs, contact the Corps Waterway Management Center at 327-2142.