Big Soda Lake To Open For Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
LAKEWOOD, CO — Bear Creek Lake Park’s Big Soda Lake will reopen to "on-lake approved craft" — including paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, windsurfing, belly boats and rafts — Saturday, Lakewood officials announced Wednesday.
The swim beach, marina and other shore areas will remain closed for swimming and shoreline activities until further notice, officials said.
The lake was closed to visitors May 9 amid overcrowding and mandates from Colorado and Jefferson County Public Health, the City of Lakewood said.
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“The temporary closure of Big Soda Lake in May allowed staff the opportunity to identify resources and put into place protocols to allow some limited access to the lake with strict precautions,” Regional Park Supervisor Drew Sprafke said in a statement.
“We look forward to getting people back out on the water while practicing social distancing.”
Beginning Saturday, signs will be up around lake that show barred activities, which include swimming, picnicking, sunbathing and wading, officials said. Paddle craft users will be allowed to launch and load only, without congregating on the shoreline.
Park rangers will patrol to first educate, then hand out citations if needed, officials warned.
The temporary closure to swimming and shoreline use will be reevaluated on June 30, subject to updates on public health orders from the state and county, officials said.
The regional park will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., apart from temporarily closed facilities, which include Big Soda Lake’s swim beach, park picnic shelters and playgrounds. The campground reopened for reservations Tuesday, with camp sites available beginning June 1.
>> Campsite reservations can be made here.
>> For more details on park activities and restrictions, visit the city's website or call 303-697-6159.
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This article originally appeared on the Lakewood Patch
