News Release

US Army Corps 5020 Tuttle Creek Blvd. Contact: Greg Wurst
of Engineers Manhattan, Kansas 66502 (785) 539-8511
Kansas City District
Tuttle Creek Project
Date: March 2, 2009

Corps of Engineers Announces New Off Road Vehicle Area Policies

The US Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake announced new policies affecting the Spillway Cycle Area and the Tuttle Creek ORV Area.
Helmets are now required in both parks for all cyclists, ATV riders, and those driving or riding in open vehicles without roll bars. Helmets must be Department of Transportation approved.
Alcohol is now strictly prohibited in both parks. Both parks are now open from 9:00 a.m. to sunset. A new speed limit of 10 mph is set for both parking and staging areas.

Park manager Greg Wurst said that these new policies will serve to make these parks safer for all users. “Public safety is our top priority,” said Wurst. “Off-road parks have inherent dangers, making it imperative that we do our best to ensure that our visitors continue to enjoy a safe riding experience.”
Wurst said that the change in policy will align the Tuttle Creek Lake ORV Parks with those at both Milford and Perry Lakes. “Having consistent rules at all of the area off-road parks just makes sense, and will help our lake visitors comply with them.”
The Corps began a review of its off-road area policies in early 2008, following a fatality and other injury accidents. The review along with visual surveys by park rangers, showed an alarming percentage of park users who were drinking and driving.
Patrons’ comments from a public meeting held in July 2008, along with contacts with officers of area Heep clubs, showed overwhelming support for these changes. “The new policies are the result of real concerns expressed by our frequent park users,” said Wurst.
The new rules are effective April 1. Entrance signs will alert users of the changes in policy. Park rangers will regularly patrol the parks to educate users of the policy changes and will enforce the changes using a combination of verbal and written warnings or citations.
Contact the Corps of Engineers at (785) 539-8511 for more information.

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Greg Wurst
Tuttle Creek Park Manager

OK, that ain't hard to live with.