NASHVILLE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is actively lowering Center Hill Lake to construct the lower portion of a two-lane boat ramp at Eisenhower “Ike” Park in Lancaster, Tenn. The Corps is restoring the recreation area located upstream from Center Hill Dam that it closed in 2008 due to the dam safety rehabilitation project.
The Corps is lowering the lake to approximately 625-feet mean sea level. Recent rain events have kept the lake higher than normal and has delayed the boat ramp construction.
Once Center Hill Lake reaches the target elevation, the Corps plans to maintain this level for approximately three weeks for the actual boat ramp construction. If high amounts of precipitation occur, the lower lake elevation may occur in increments.
While the lake is maintained at lower levels, several launching ramps may become unusable. Boaters are encouraged to check the condition of their chosen ramp before attempting to launch their boat. Below is a list of known boat ramps that will be accessible during the temporary drawdown.
- Four Seasons Marina
- Hidden Harbor Marina
- Horseshoe Bend
- Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area (West)
- Hurricane Marina
- Johnson’s Chapel
- Pate’s Ford Marina
- Ragland Bottom Day Use
Areas typically under water may become shallow or surfaced. Some of these areas have been identified and marked with buoys; however, boaters should use caution when operating anywhere on Center Hill Lake.
Boaters are encouraged to operate their vessels at slower speeds, use depth finders, closely assess the conditions around them, pay attention to buoys and practice safe boating when on or around our waterways.
Once Center Hill Recreation area construction is complete, the area will improve the public’s access to beautiful Center Hill Lake with the addition of a new two-lane boat ramp with a courtesy dock, three shelters, increased parking and a handicap accessible restroom. The restored Center Hill Recreation area is set to reopen for use by spring of 2020.
For additional information, please contact the Center Hill Lake Resource Manager’s office at 931-858-3125.
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can also follow Center Hill Lake on Facebook at www.facebook.com/centerhilllake.
