Opening of Hop Brook Lake recreation areas pushed back

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District has delayed the opening of the recreation areas at Hop Brook Lake in Middlebury. –RA ARCHIVE
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District has delayed the opening of the recreation areas at Hop Brook Lake in Middlebury. –RA ARCHIVE

MIDDLEBURY — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District has delayed the 2013 season opening of the recreation areas at Hop Brook Lake until May 18.

The recreation areas have opened the third weekend of April and remained open until Columbus Day in October in the past. The areas will close this year after Labor Day.

Once the areas open the hours they are open will change to 8 a.m. to sunset, but no later than 8 p.m.

According to a press released issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the change is being made due to the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget and an anticipated delay in hiring summer staff.

The areas will be open to vehicle access only Saturday and Sunday for the opening weekend of fishing, the release stated. Hop Brook Lake will open at 5:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Refunds for all picnic shelter reservations for dates before May 17 or after Sept. 8 will be issued through recreation.gov, the release stated.