⚡ This Just In: Senator Raphael Warnock announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will scale back Lake Lanier park closures following pressure from his office and Georgia residents. The Corps originally planned to close 23 parks indefinitely but reduced that number to 11. Warnock blamed “reckless Trump Administration policies” for creating staffing shortages that led to the closures. “After public outcry from myself and countless Georgians, we prevented more than half of the announced park closures,” Warnock said. “This is welcome news for Georgia families looking forward to enjoying summer days by the lake.”

Lake Lanier visitors can still enjoy the lake this Memorial Day weekend and throughout summer, despite several federal facilities closing. Many boat ramps and day use parks remain accessible for residents and tourists.

🌊 Why It Matters: The timing of these closures during peak vacation season affects how families can access the lake, but numerous alternatives remain available for boating, swimming and recreation across the popular North Georgia destination.

🚤 What’s Open: Eleven boat ramps continue to operate, including Big Creek at Lanier Islands, Bolding Mill Park, Buford Dam, Duckett Mill Park, Don Carter State Park, Holly Park, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Laurel Park, River Forks Park, Shoal Creek and Wahoo Creek Park.

🏞️ Parks That Are Open: Seven day use parks welcome visitors: Flowery Branch Bay Park, Holly Park, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Lanier Islands Resort, Laurel Park, River Forks Park and Wahoo Creek Park.

⛔ Closed Facilities: Eighteen parks will not operate this season, including Balus Creek, Belton Bridge, Burton Mill, Keiths Bridge, Little Hall, Little Ridge, Little River, Long Hollow, Lula, Mountain View, Old Federal Day Use, Robinson, Sardis Creek, Thompson Bridge, Tidwell, Two Mile, Upper Overlook and Vanns Tavern.

🗺️ Plan Ahead: Discover Lake Lanier recommends checking their website for the latest updates and park status information before visiting. The organization promises to provide ongoing updates throughout the summer season.

⚡ This Just In: Senator Raphael Warnock announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will scale back Lake Lanier park closures following pressure from his office and Georgia residents. The Corps originally planned to close 23 parks indefinitely but reduced that number to 11. Warnock blamed "reckless Trump Administration policies" for creating staffing shortages that led to the closures. "After public outcry from myself and countless Georgians, we prevented more than half of the announced park closures," Warnock said. "This is welcome news for Georgia families looking forward to enjoying summer days by the lake."
B.T. Clark
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B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.