Kentucky State Parks are set to reopen on Monday, June 1st, although Lake Cumberland State Park will remain closed.
Governor Andy Beshear announced on Friday the state’s plan to reopen parks, but stated that Lake Cumberland State Park and Lake Barkley State Park in western Kentucky would remain closed to assist in housing persons who need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 but have no immediate housing options.
The announcement by Beshear on Friday is not good news for the Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission in Russell County which relies on a transient room tax to help fund their budget. Tourism Director Janette Marson told WJRS News on Friday that there are about 400 available rooms in Russell County for lodging of tourists, and almost half of those come from the state park. With the Memorial Day holiday coming this weekend, Marson and others say the timing is not good for the local economy.
WJRS News will have more information from Marson on our newscasts tomorrow.
