Lake open to outboard motors during June

Freeman Lake Park could see new visitors in June thanks to a decision by the city of Elizabethtown.

Boats with outboard motors will be allowed on Freeman Lake in June as a concession to boaters who have requested the privilege.

The decision was included on the agenda for Monday’s Elizabethtown City Council meeting as an informational item.

Councilman Ron Thomas said residents have questioned over the years the city’s decision to allow wakeboarding and water skiing events on the lake while forbidding certain kinds of boats on the reservoir.

“And I think that’s a good question,” Thomas said.

Gas prices also are causing more residents to visit Freeman Lake instead of others that are farther away, he said.

Boats with motors more powerful than five horsepower must stay at “idle” or “trolling” speeds, and vehicles such as wave runners and jet skis are not allowed, Thomas said. The city may cease the special allowance at any time during June if the rules are being abused, Thomas said, but he does not expect that to happen.

“I think the fishermen are excited about it,” he said.

The fee to launch a boat remains the same, $1 a day, $5 a month or $30 a year.

Thomas said the concession is not something the city plans to do regularly.

Kelly Cantrall can be reached at (270) 505-1747 or kcantrall@thenewsenterprise.com.