ELDON HAZLET PARK TO REOPEN DURING DATYIME HOURS ONLY
Floodwaters Begin to Recede

Carlyle—Eldon Hazlet State Park will reopen starting Friday, January 21st, during daylight hours only. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed the park early Saturday morning, January 15th, when floodwaters from Carlyle Lake submerged the only road by which access to the park can be gained.

“During the daytime, we feel visitors will be able to safely navigate the road,” said park site superintendent Gary Tatham. “However, at night, there is a one mile stretch that is not lit. If a driver left his lane for any reason, he could end up submerged in the lake.”

Carlyle Lake crested Monday at 456 feet, and is now receding. The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water at a rate of 10,000 cubic feet per second. The release is a larger volume than average for January, due to recent heavy rains that overwhelmed the lake and its tributaries.

Blockades will be in place at the entrance to Eldon Hazlet State Park between dusk and dawn, to prevent drivers from entering the park.

“People who want to come to view wildlife, to fish, and to hike will be able to enjoy the park,” said Tatham. “The campgrounds and cottages will remain closed for the time being.”

IDNR officials say it is too soon to assess the damage to the park and its infrastructure caused by the floodwaters and ice.

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