All beaches at Lake Monroe will be closed for the Fourth of July weekend due to high waters, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced.
The reservoir was 11.44 feet above normal level as of Friday morning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water but even at maximum release the water levels would still not be low enough within a week. The water levels must drop around five feet for the beaches to be opened.
Lake Monroe was built for flood control and low-flow regulation to protect downstream homeowners, businesses and farmers.
Bloomington will have other options for July 4, including the city’s annual Fourth of July parade and concert. The Bloomington Community Band performs at 9 a.m. on the south side of the Monroe County Courthouse followed by the parade at 10 a.m.
The parade route starts at College Avenue and 10th Street and ends where it begins. There are 65 parade entries.
There will also be Open Swim Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 4 at Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool, both of which will have free admission.
The Griffy Lake Boathouse, Cascades Golf Course and the Twin Lakes Recreation Center will also be open on July 4.