HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Public access to Lake Morris will be more restricted by the Hopkinsville Police Department this season due to disturbances and disregard for natural areas.

“We’ve had a number of complaints about activity happening at Lake Morris during the overnight hours, things like late night gatherings, noise, and littering,” Public Information Officer Justin Rios told Christian County Now. “Unfortunately, that kind of use can create safety concerns and take away from the experience for others who want to enjoy the space as intended.”

In previous years, the gates of Lake Morris were opened and closed every morning and evening by the Hopkinsville Police Department. In March, Police Chief Newby said the lake will now be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week through November.

That decision has since been rescinded as HPD announced on May 5 that the lake will now close daily at 7 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m. due to the high number of complaints regarding misuse of the area during overnight hours. Similar issues recently came to light at Lake Blythe, which falls under the jurisdiction of the county.

“Places like Lake Morris are shared community spaces and they only stay in good shape when people treat them with care,” Rios added. “Simple things like cleaning up after yourself, being respectful of others nearby, and using the areas for their intended purpose go a long way in helping keep places like this open.”

| RELATED STORY: Community reminded to keep watershed lakes in Hopkinsville clean: ‘These spaces are a privilege’

More about watershed lakes in Hopkinsville

Lake Morris is a watershed located off of I-169 and Morris Lake Road maintained and operated by the Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility. Fishing is free and open to the public for those with a proper license at watershed lakes in Christian County.

Watercrafts with gas motors are prohibited on the lake. Only boats or kayaks with electric trolling motors are authorized. No swimming, camping, or hunting is allowed at Lake Morris. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited.

Picnic benches and a dock are set up in front of the water making it a scenic location to enjoy nature. More rules are posted at the entrance. Find a full list of places to fish in Christian County here.

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