Colorado’s Barr Lake State Park Hosts Summer Canoe Class
OutdoorHub 05.14.12
If you’ve ever wanted to try the tranquil and picturesque waters at Barr Lake State Park in a canoe, the American Canoe Association will provide a certified instructor to teach the basic skills and safety techniques on three weekends this summer. The park will supply everything else that you need for the class, including the canoe, a personal floatation device and paddles.
The canoe classes will be offered on Saturdays, May 26, June 2 and June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. To register, call the Nature Center at (303) 659-6005. Youngsters, 12 to 15 years old, must be accompanied by a participating adult. And 16 to 18 year olds must have an adult permission form signed on the morning of the class. Class size is limited to 10 people and there is a $15 non-refundable fee per person.
An annual park pass or a $7 day pass is required for each vehicle entering the park and may be purchased at the entrance station. Adverse weather conditions, including waves and wind, may result in abbreviated or canceled canoe lesson. Funding for the class is provided by the Federal Boat Safety Program, which allows the park to keep the fees for the canoe lessons affordable for participants.
Enjoy the calm waters that are a peaceful, relaxing haven for sailing and canoeing. While boating, enjoy mountain views, jumping fish and waterfowl. Barr Lake is restricted to non-motorized activities and motorboats with 10 horsepower or less. There is no boating on the southern half of the lake because it is a wildlife refuge and home to over 350 species of birds. Great blue herons and double-crested cormorants are some of the birds nesting along the lakeshore. Bald eagles are currently feeding their two young. Western grebes, pelicans and wood ducks are a few of the waterfowl spotted on the lake. For current park conditions, or to find out more about Barr Lake State Park, visit the Web at www.parks.state.co.us.
