Corps prepares John Day facilities for winter

PORTLAND, Ore. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing the John Day campgrounds and day-use areas for winter. Camping will be available with limited services at LePage and Plymouth campgrounds, while some day-use areas and boat ramps remain open throughout the winter months.

 At Plymouth Park the campground will close Oct. 31; the boat ramp remains open.
 
 At Roosevelt Park facilities will close Oct. 15; the day-use areas remain open with portable toilets available.

 At Giles French Park the boat ramp and restroom facilities remain open.

 At LePage Park the campground and RV dump station will close Oct 31.  After that the parking lot may be used for dry camping. The day-use area remains open.
 
 Facilities at the parks will be back in operation for the 2013 recreation season beginning April 1, 2013.
 
 The John Day recreational facilities, except Roosevelt and Plymouth parks, are located between Rufus and Umatilla Ore., just off Interstate Highway 84. Roosevelt Park is located near Roosevelt Ferry Road and Washington State Highway 14 and Plymouth Park is located near Christy Road and Washington State Highway 14, in Washington.

 More than half of all drowning deaths at Corps parks are swimming related. Learning to swim well and never swimming alone, or under the influence of alcohol are easy steps you can take to enjoy our lakes safely.

 For further information please call (541) 506-7819 or 541-506-4806, or visit the Portland District web page at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Columbia.aspx