ROGERS, Ark. – The Army Corps of Engineers, Beaver Lake Project Office announces that portions of Prairie Creek Park will remain closed while contractors put the finishing touches on a new and improved water system.
Currently, all campsites and a portion of the day use area remain closed. Access to the marina, parking area and the six-lane launch ramp in the day use area of the park is open.
As work progresses, Corps officials will determine which camp loops are safe to open.
“Safety is our major concern and allowing the contractor to finish the job and eliminate any hazards to the public before we open the park for recreational use is paramount,” says Chief Park Ranger, Michael Hurley.
All Prairie Creek campsites will again be reservable after May 15.
“We hope to have the waterline project complete by mid-May,” said Hurley. “As soon as the project is complete and all safety concerns have been eliminated, the Prairie Creek campground will reopen.”
New waterlines are being installed throughout the park to replace the 40-year old galvanized lines.
“Water service throughout the park has been hit and miss during the past few seasons,” said Operations and Maintenance Team Leader Caleb Young. “Sometimes there wasn’t enough water pressure to flush the toilets.”
As a result, the Corps decided to install new waterlines throughout the park to eliminate leaks from the aging waterlines. The contract was awarded and work began in late 2015. The new system includes individual water hydrants to the majority of the campsites in the park.
“Our campers are going to be pleasantly surprised when they realize that most campsites are now set up with individual water hydrants,” said Hurley.
Until the Prairie Creek project is complete, camping is available at Horseshoe Bend, Hickory Creek, Lost Bridge North, Dam Site Lake, and Dam Site River parks.
All remaining Corps parks on Beaver Lake, which includes Starkey, Indian Creek, Lost Bridge South, Rocky Branch, and War Eagle will open May 1.
For more information about Beaver Lake camping opportunities, call the Beaver Lake Project Office at 479-636-1210, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.