THETFORD, VT -- Union Village Dam is implementing a phased reopening of the recreation area in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policies and procedures, the state of Vermont Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance due to COVID-19.
Beginning June 24, 2020 the following will be open:
- East Access Road/Buzzell Bridge Road
- West Branch Road
- The above roads and recreations areas off the roads will be open daily Wednesday - Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The East Access Road and the West Branch Roads will be closed on Mondays and Tuesday to vehicular traffic.
The following COVID-19 closures continue at Union Village Dam:
- Public restrooms
- Covered picnic shelter
- Picnic tables
- Children’s playground
- Swim beach
As Sandy Beach is officially closed, water quality testing has been suspended and would-be swimmers are advised that the bacteria and other potentially harmful contaminant levels at the swim beach are currently unknown.
As a reminder when pets are brought along, they must remain on a six foot leash and the owner is responsible for the proper removal of disposal of animal waste.
Overnight camping is still not allowed at Union Village Dam.
Additionally, hiking trails, etc. are open given that social distancing guidelines are followed to include:
- Stay home if feeling sick.
- Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals.
- Avoid activities where individuals will come in close contact with one another and/or gathering in groups of ten or more.
- Should crowds begin to form at various locations, visitors are asked to leave that area, choose a different location or return at a later date/time.
- Practice healthy personal hygiene, such as hand washing for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others including, but not limited to, picnic tables, railings and signs. These surfaces are NOT being cleaned. Sanitize your hands if you do.
- Leave no trace. Take all trash, including pet waste, with you when you leave the property. Violators are subject to fines
These measures are necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), ensure and protect the health and well-being of our visitors, employees, contractors and volunteers, and safeguard our ability to continue our critical Flood Risk Management Operations.
All members of the park staff at Union Village Dam are happy to see visitors continue to recreate safely during this unprecedented time. We share your enthusiasm for the great outdoors and all that our shared land has to offer. We continue to monitor federal, state and local guidelines for changes and appreciate your adaptability and assistance in helping us keep the park safe for all who wish to recreate here.
For further details and up-to-the-minute news before visiting the dam, please visit either our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UnionVillageDam/ or website at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Union-Village-Dam/
Release no. 20-053