Belton's Chalk Ridge Falls Park is Closing For Two Weeks for TLC

We are so blessed to have two beautiful lakes here in Central Texas and all the great parks that come with them. Our parks are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, whose job it is to make sure the dams and facilities are safe and sound.

To that end, the Corps of Engineers will be closing Chalk Ridge Falls Park at Stillhouse Hollow Lake for two weeks from Friday, April 30 to Friday, May 14.

It's only a temporary closing as they conduct their periodic inspection of Stillhouse Hollow Dam and the structures around it.

"Chalk Ridge Falls Park will be the staging area for workers and heavy equipment during the inspection," the Corps announce this week. "In order to keep the public safe, the park must be closed to visitors."

Unfortunately, no walk-ins will be allowed while the work is being done.

It's a bummer for those who love hiking there or just relaxing in the nature center, but at least there's responsible stewardship going on. It takes a lot of TLC to make sure we have these parks to enjoy and that our dams are safe.

If you have any questions, you're welcome to call the lake office at (254) 939-2461.

Meanwhile, there's a big event coming to Belton Lake on May 8 that could help tide you over if you're looking to get outdoors.

The 20th Annual Spring Classic Bass Tournament takes place on Saturday, May 8 and will benefit the Central Texas Area of Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association's (CTACPSA) Annual Scholarship Fund.

Registration is open now through May 6 at Marine Outlet, 4410 S General Bruce Drive in Temple, or Tightlines Premium Fishing Tackle, 5902 E Veterans Memorial Blvd in Killeen. You can also register the day of the event at Temple Lake Park, 14190 FM2305 in Belton beginning at 4:30 AM.

The entry fee is $100 per boat - Big Bass guaranteed, $250.

There's a guaranteed prize of $2,500 for 1st place, plus one place paid for every 10 entries.

Temple Lake Park will be the tournament HQ and weigh-in site.

Again, your entry will benefit the CTACPSA scholarship offered to the children of active peace officers in Central Texas. You can learn more about the scholarship or apply for it here.

If you have any questions, give Billy Conway a call at (254) 718-7275.

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