Devil's Backbone Park closed to public

 Devil's Backbone Park was closed to the public, effective Friday, for a period of 180 days, Washington County  officials announced.

The historic dam across Antietam Creek in that park is being rehabilitated for safety purposes and to comply with state and federal regulations, according to an emailed news release from the county Division of Public Works Department of Engineering and Construction and the Department of Parks and Facilities.

Staging of heavy equipment in the area will preclude use by the public during this construction period. The rehabilitation of the dam and other improvements will necessitate this closure for approximately 180 days, the release said.

The park is on Md. 68 between Lappans Crossroads and Boonsboro.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting parks and facilities at 240-313-2700.

Construction-related information can be obtained by contacting Project Manager Jim Plummer at 240-313-2448 or Deputy Public Works Director Robert Slocum at 240-313-2418.