8 Oct 2021

Temporary closures announced for upcoming construction activity at Tuttle Creek Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake is announcing that the stilling basin area - locally known as the “tubes” - as well as Outlet Park Shelter #3 is scheduled to be closed to all public access from October 18-22, 2021, depending on weather conditions effecting the planned work.

1 Aug 2019

Hazardous algae bloom present at Outlet Park River Pond and Swim Beach at Melvern Lake

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District announced today a hazardous algae bloom at the Outlet Park River Pond and Outlet Park Swim Beach downstream of Melvern Lake. Kansas Department of Environment and Health has confirmed that cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae with low levels of the toxin microcystin, have been identified in the two ponds below Melvern Dam.

28 Jun 2019

Outlet Park Beach closed at Melvern Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Melvern Lake announce the immediate closure of Outlet Park Beach due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, which could cause health risks. The beach will be closed until further notice and will re-open as soon as E. coli have returned to safe levels. Corps officials will have the water at the beach tested again Sunday, June 30, 2019, to determine whether the beach can be opened for the holiday weekend.

25 May 2019

Corps to close Outlet Park at Melvern Lake

Melvern, Kan. —  Melvern Lake elevations have continued to rise this spring due to wet conditions across the Kansas and Missouri River basins.  Currently the Melvern Lake flood pool is 78 percent occupied leaving minimal space to store additional flood waters. Projected rainfall over the next 24 hours could be significant. Due to the lake level being within 3 feet of the uncontrolled spillway, Outlet Park is being closed at 10:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, May 25, 2019 to prevent elevated risk to life and safety. All occupants are asked to exit the area effective 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019.

3 Jul 2018

Public Health Warning for Melvern Lake Outlet Park Campground and Swim Beach

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers announce the existence of a blue-green algae bloom at the Outlet Park Campground (River Pond) and Outlet Park swim beach downstream of Melvern Lake. Blue-green algae identification tests have confirmed the presence of the algae. The most recent tests showed the presence of the toxin microcystin but levels can increase or decrease on a daily basis. Hot and sunny weather conditions combined with high nutrient levels create ideal conditions for harmful algae bloom growth. Swimming is not allowed at the Outlet Swim Beach and all wading and contact with algae is highly discouraged. Visitors can utilize Coeur d'Alene Park Swim Beach on the main body of the lake, located west of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office.