BY MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

The number of visitors who have flocked to Marion County Park and Lake are more typical of mid-summer as its campgrounds and docks reopen to visitors, lake superintendent Isaac Hett said.

Temperatures in the 80s made this past weekend seem “like a typical June day” rather than early May, judging by the number of boats, he said, adding that most visitors kept their distance as they fished.

“People are getting the OK to get out of the house and they are ready to go outside,” Hett said. “They are taking full advantage of it.”

As of Friday, both county and out-of-county residents are allowed at the lake. Camping opened up Monday and rental trailers at the park are open.

The public swimming beach and the lake hall are both still closed. Group gatherings of 10 or more are still strictly prohibited.

Hett said further restrictions on camping are still possible.

“We have been given the OK to open everything up, but we will see what happens,” he said.

Organizers of Bluegrass at the Lake are planning to put on the event in late July or early August. This year’s acts are being recontacted in an attempt to postpone, rather than cancel the annual music festival, Hett said.

“Right now there is nothing set in stone,” Hett said.

The lake office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Staff is handing all office business through the sliding glass drive-up window on the building’s north side.

Hett said life may gradually “get back to normal” for both staff and visitors if everyone continues to follow health department guidelines.

“I hope everyone will be responsible and take COVID-19 seriously by practicing social distancing and personal hygiene,” he said. “The last thing we want is to have a cluster of cases out here that spread the virus any further.”