WAYNEDALE OUTDOORS Q & A

Improving DNR reservation system requires February interruption

Improving the DNR’s reservation system for camping, cabins, recreation buildings and shelters will require a system interruption starting February 8 at 12:01 a.m. The improved system will be available February 28 at noon.

During the service interruption, no advance reservations will be taken at the DNR’s call center or at www.Camp.IN.gov; however, same-day walk-up registrations will still be available at the property of your choice. The State Park Inns/Lodges also will take reservations for rooms and cabins associated with the inns during the system interruption at www.indianainns.com or 1-877-LODGES1 (1-877-563-4371).

When www.Camp.IN.Gov reopens February 28, customers will be able select preferred amenities, and use an easy-to-read availability calendar and interactive campground maps. Eventually, photographs of campsites will be added.

“We thank everyone for their continued patronage, and appreciate their patience while we add features to make the system more convenient,” said Christie Wilmoth, the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs’ business services program director.

All of the inventory that would have become available during the interruption will be available when the system reopens.  Those with questions during the interruption may call at 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746), Monday through Friday noon – 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon – 3 p.m., but no reservations may be made until February 28 at noon.

Tests offered for certified lifeguards to work at state parks
Lifeguarding tests for already-certified lifeguards who want to work at DNR State Parks and Reservoirs properties will be held at no cost to the participants on April 3 in Muncie, and April 17 in Corydon.  Applicants must already be certified in Lifeguarding and CPR for the Professional Rescuer to be eligible to attend the test at either site; the tests are not a recertification of any type. Testing will include blood borne pathogens, a written test and a water test. If you passed the DNR test in 2010 and worked as a DNR lifeguard in 2010, you do not need to take the test for 2011.

The Corydon test is at the Harrison County YMCA. The test in Muncie is at Ball State University’s Lewellen Aquatic Center. To get to the Corydon site, take I-64 to exit 105. Go south on Hwy 135, turn left onto Hwy 337 South toward downtown Corydon. Follow Hwy 337 South approximately 1 mile, then turn left on Foundation Way, which is between a restaurant and insurance office, and follow to the YMCA. To get to the Muncie site, go down the main road on campus, called McKinley. Enter by the pool and follow signs to room HP 100. Registration at both sites starts at 8:30 a.m. The test will start at 9 a.m. at both sites and should conclude by 2 p.m. The week after the tests, applicant’s scores will be sent to the property they request.