parks
Fort Hood updates visitor procedures, public access to BLORA following fatal shooting
By Shardae LaRae at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
On Wednesday officials at Fort Hood announced that the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) is now accessible to the community, soldiers and their families following the addition of gate guards and updated visitor access procedures.The recreation area had been under limited access since Ma...
Key takeaway In a press release, Fort Hood said visitors who do not have a Department of War identification card may apply for a visitor pass.
Why this matters in The Waco
The reopening of Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area to the community is a significant development for local residents who have been waiting for access to this popular recreation spot. With the updated visitor procedures in place, visitors without a Department of War identification card can now apply for a pass, undergoing a background check and receiving a paper pass after approval. This change is likely to impact local families and outdoor enthusiasts who frequent the area for recreational activities. The additional security measures, including gate guards, aim to address concerns raised after the fatal shooting in May. As the community looks to make use of BLORA once again, it will be crucial to monitor how the new procedures affect the overall experience and safety of visitors. The local community will be watching to see how these changes balance access with the need for increased security.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? On Wednesday officials at Fort Hood announced that the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) is now accessible to the community, soldiers and their families following the addition of gate guards and updated visitor access procedures.The recreation area had been under limited access since Ma...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Shardae LaRae at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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