FRANKFORT (Kentucky Today) – To protect public safety and assess the repair of park infrastructure, the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet announced Wednesday that Nolin Lake State Park will remain closed, due to extensive flood damage and unsafe conditions following months of historic high-water levels.
Due to flooding in April, water has not yet fully receded from many areas of the state park. Key portions of the park, including trails, the beach, buildings and the boat ramp, remain inaccessible or unsafe due to flooding, hazardous substances, submerged debris and structural concerns. The boat ramp is still underwater, and the beach is not visible.
On June 9, a site visit was conducted by representatives from the Finance and Administration Cabinet (FAC), construction teams and Parks Facilities Management. Although officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were scheduled to attend, their assessment was postponed and is now planned for June 30.
Nolin Lake State Park falls under a federal FEMA disaster declaration that applies to the broader county. As a result, any actions related to assessment, cleanup and repair must comply with FEMA protocols. Additionally, repair and recovery efforts are being guided by FAC and insurance carriers to determine what damage will be covered through those channels.
“Our priority is to ensure that any reopening is done safely and responsibly,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we assess the damage, work through FEMA and state requirements, and begin the process of restoring this beautiful park.”
State leaders are developing a timeline for phased recovery. While some areas of the park may be able to return to operation sooner, other areas, including the campground and critical facilities, may require a longer-term restoration effort.
State tourism officials are urging the public to stay off park property during the closure and refrain from unauthorized use, including boating, as the entire park remains unsafe and unmonitored.
Other state park facilities that are closed due to the flooding include:
–Fort Boonesborough State Park campground
–Green River Lake State Park campground
–E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park – southeast corner of the Goose Creek/Biking Trail
–Barren River Lake State Resort Park pool
–Jenny Wiley State Resort Park campground
