More Chattahoochee River recreation areas reopen during 1st weekend of summer

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — As more coronavirus restrictions are easing in Georgia, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is allowing commercial services to return.

There was a good amount of people with rafts in their hands ready to enjoy a day on the river on the first day of summer. The park entered Phase 2 Saturday as it continues the reopening process.

“People can come out, rent tubes, rent a kayak or even engage with fisherman and learn how to drought fish,” acting superintendent Ann Honious told Channel 2′s Lauren Pozen.

“Plan is to go and Shoot the Hooch with friends and family,” visitor Leonardo Sciortino said.

Phase 2 is a big step that is dependent on COVID-19 levels staying low. If there is a spike, the National Park Service said there is a chance it could roll back to Phase 1.

The NPS says all equipment will be washed and there is a safety plan to help with social distancing. Visitors are encouraged but not required to wear masks.

The park recommends visiting with family or people that you have been social distancing with during the pandemic.

“When you stay cooped up in a house all day you start getting on each others nerves at least you get out in the open, get some fresh air,” Sciortino said.

Of course, people’s comfort levels as things start to reopen have varied. Some say they are just not ready yet and want to ease into it.

The NPS says the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a good place to start.

“Think about where you want to go and how many people are going to be there and I think there’s ways you can find to enjoy the outdoors,” Honious said. “Reenergize yourself and experience the outdoors and still be as safe as you want to be.”

The park will resume its $5 park entrance fees. Comfort stations and the visitor center facilitates will remain closed at this time.

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