This weekend is a big one for those in charge of park management.

Guthrie County Conservation Director Brad Halterman mentions that his department, and other conservation departments or departments in charge of running county or state parks, sees Memorial Day Weekend as the official start to summer, especially as many people go camping or use campgrounds for the first time during the year over this weekend. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that preparations at Guthrie County’s two parks are nearly complete.

“Right now, being a couple days before the weekend starts, we’re ready to go. We’ve got both our campgrounds open. Both Nation’s Bridge and Lenon Mill are open. All our facilities are on, our restrooms are open, our water’s on, our shower house is open, our shelter houses are ready to go. All the campsites are ready to go. So we’re touching up some things the next couple days as far as the mowings and things like that go. But we’re ready.”

Halterman mentions that the weather looks good for being able to enjoy the outdoors this weekend besides maybe a little rain for tomorrow. He adds that those individuals wishing to use camping areas at Nation’s Bridge and Lenon Mill Parks should also remember that those sites are on a first come first serve basis.