Agency official announces partial reopening of Lake Michael Park; water access remains closed

An agency official for the City of Evan announced that Lake Michael Park will partially reopen on Friday, July 17 at 6 a.m., with park hours set at 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The official said the city completed spillway work and will reopen trails, playgrounds and picnic shelters, which will be available to rent again through CivicRec. "We're very happy to share that Lake Michael Park will partially reopen on Friday, July 17 at 6AM," the agency official said.

The official emphasized that the reopening is partial and that the lake and water access remain closed "until further notice." The official listed activities that remain prohibited: shoreline access or bank fishing; fishing from closed piers or floating docks; launching kayaks, canoes, john boats, personal boats, trailers or any personal watercraft; use of the boat ramp; entering the water; standing at the water's edge; or otherwise approaching the shoreline. "Please stay at least 10 feet behind the shoreline at all times," the official said, and added that barriers and closure signs must not be removed.

City staff said the lake level is still returning to normal and that floating docks, shoreline areas and the boat ramp must be inspected and repaired where needed before water activities can resume. The official said there is "no immediate timetable for reopening" water access and reiterated that the park will reopen in phases to ensure safety.

A staff member provided a site-specific detail, saying the only available fishing pier is the one behind Shelter 2 near the trailhead and that floating docks and the boat ramp will have temporary fencing in place to deter access.

The announcement closed with a request for visitors to follow posted signs and instructions, and a reminder of the partial reopening date.

The City of Evan did not provide a timetable for full lake access or details on when inspections will be completed.