The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing a phased reopening of recreation areas at Black Rock, Northfield Brook, and Thomaston Dam, all located in Thomaston, Connecticut. Re-openings are in accordance with the Corps, state of Connecticut, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policies and procedures due to COVID-19.

Beginning June 27, 2020:

• The Black Rock Dam and Reservoir will have all areas open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• The Northfield Brook Lake Recreation Area will be open from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and will have limited vehicle access and restricted parking.
• The Thomaston Dam will have the following sites open: Vista Picnic area, dam access road, and the Leadmine Brook Recreation Area. The dam site and Leadmine Brook Recreation Areas will be open daily, from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Beginning July 6, 2020 the Thomaston Dam off-highway vehicle (OHV) dirt bike riding area will open with the following restrictions:

• Vehicle parking will be limited to 30 vehicles in designated spots at a single time.
• No tail-gating or group activities allowed.
• A face mask must be worn while showing proof of registrations to Park Staff.
• All vehicles must be registered in accordance with Title 36 CFR.
• Drinking fountains, group picnic areas and public restrooms are closed (portable units will be available).
• Out of state visitors should check with the state of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles regarding registration reciprocity https://portal.ct.gov/DMV, as well as the state of Connecticut Coronavirus website https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus regarding quarantine concerns.                                            

Beginning July 6, 2020 the Thomaston Dam Model Airplane Flying Field will open with the following restrictions:

• Vehicle parking will be limited to 15 vehicles in designated spots at a single time.
• No tail-gating or group activities allowed.
• Drinking fountains, group picnic areas and public restrooms are closed (portable units will be available).

The following restrictions are in place at the Northfield Brook Lake Recreation area:

• Public restrooms (portable units provided)
• Drinking fountains
• Covered picnic shelters
• Group picnic tables are closed.

Additionally, please:

• Stay home if feeling sick.
• Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals. If unable to maintain a six-foot distance please wear a face mask.
• Avoid activities where individuals will come in close contact with one another and/or gathering in groups of 25 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 and removal from the facilities.

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, volunteers, and safeguard our ability to continue our critical Flood Risk Management operations.

For further details and up-to-the-minute news before visiting the dam, please visit either our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ThomastonDam or website at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Thomaston-Dam/