Lake Needwood and Little Seneca Lake Remain Closed
Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has announced it is delaying the opening of Little Seneca Lake in Black Hill Regional Park and Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park because of icy conditions caused by ongoing cold weather.
According to the announcement, both lakes will remain closed for recreational boating, fishing and other uses until further notice. Park visitors are reminded that walking on or near ice over bodies of water is extremely dangerous, and is not permitted in any Montgomery County park.
“We have noticed several incidents of people attempting to use Lake Needwood and Little Seneca Lake despite the fact that both water supplies are still all or partially frozen,” said Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. “Accessing frozen lakes, ponds and other bodies of water is extremely dangerous, even if they appear solid enough to support a person’s weight. Ice that appears thick in one location may be thin or non-existent just a short distance away.”
Montgomery Parks officials are also urging parents to keep children away from frozen ponds and lakes and remind them of the serious hazards associated with playing on or walking on icy bodies of water. In the event a person falls through the ice, bystanders should call 911 immediately, and refrain from trying to rescue the person by going onto the ice.
It is anticipated that both lakes will open on or after March 15, but a final opening date will be determined once ice has cleared from both lakes. The opening dates will be updated at MontgomeryParks.org.
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