Knights Ferry reopens after nearly two month closure
Just in time for a hot Memorial Day weekend, the Knights Ferry Recreation area reopened to the public Friday after a nearly two-month closure.
The US Army Corps of Engineers closed the park and other Stanislaus River Parks March 26 to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The other nine lakes and parks in the Corps’ Sacramento District up and down the Sierra also closed.
Opening of the recreation areas is consistent with state and county guidelines and mirrors the policies of other recreation providers in California, according to a press release from the Corps.
Campgrounds, visitor centers, group shelters and playgrounds remain closed at all of the parks and lakes.
The Corp said access to recreation areas could be restricted again if visitors do not adhere to social distancing guidelines or officials observe an unsafe number of large gatherings.
Spokesman Luke Burns said every one of the Stanislaus River Parks seven ranges will be working this weekend to ensure compliance.
During the closure, some people did enter the park but Burns said staff took an education approach and most people were receptive. No one was cited.
