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Thursday, March 10, 1988 / University Daily Kansan
Jacque Janssen, arts/features editor
Leisure
Take a break at the lake!
Clinton Lake and surrounding parks offer outdoor fun
By Stacy Foster Kansan staff writer
It may be a little cool right now to be hanging out at Clinton Lake and testing the water with that new windsurfer, but by the time students return from spring break, it should be warm enough to at least play a little catch near the shore.
Mark Retonde, owner of the Clinton Marina, said he was concerned about people being on the lake this time of year because the water was so cold.
"The weather is starting to turn really nice, but the lake is still in winter conditions," Retonde said. "The water is about 40 degrees, and if someone should fall in the lake, the survivability is not very long, even with a life jacket."
Plenty of good fishing and boating
I remember aid fisherman doesn't mind the cold. Bob Wallace, park manager at Clinton Lake, said that the coves on Clinton Lake were usually good spots to fish for cranbite.
About 7,000 acres of water provide plenty of room for warm-weather activities such as water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. The lake also provides plenty of good fishing right now, Wallace said.
"Crappie is best in the spring when they are spawning," Wallace said. "Catfish can be caught about anytime, and the lake also has bass and walleye."
The marina will open later this month as the weather and lake conditions improve. Retonde said. A small restaurant and grocery store also will be open during
the regular season.
There are numerous boat ramps located at the marina. And for those who don't have boats of their own, the marina even rents boats.
The marina rents pontoons, fishing boats, sailboats canoes and windsurfers.
Retonde said that the lake could be used year-round. Lake use is not restricted, but state regulations are enforced. Fishing requires a license, and there is a limit to the number of lines an angler can use.
A resident fishing license costs $13 for one year. A lifetime fishing license can be purchased for $200. Licenses are available at various places in town, such as K mart Discount Stores, Gibson's Discount Center, and J L's Grocery.
Onshore recreation available, too
But a person doesn't have to be a fisherman to enjoy Clinton Lake. The lake and surrounding parks and campsites provide outdoor recreation for almost anyone.
Campgrounds, hiking trails and beaches on the lake provide diverse resources for activities.
The beach at Clinton State Park has poles for volleyball and plenty of sand for people who enjoy lying on the beach.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers manages the area surrounding the lake. The Corps leases the Clinton State Park land to the State of Kansas Wildlife and Parks.
State money is used to maintain the marina and
The weather is starting to turn really nice, but the lake is still in winter conditions. The water is about 40 degrees, and if someone should fall in the lake, the survivability is not very long, even with a life jacket.'
Mark Retonde owner, Clinton Marina
T
beach in Clinton State Park, and federal money is used to maintain the dam and parks in the other areas.
The federal park includes Bloomington Park, Rockhaven and Woodridge trails.
Entering the state park costs $3 a vehicle or $20 a year. Camping in the state park is an additional $2 to $5, depending on the use of electricity or water.
In the federal parks, entrance is free, camping at Woodridge or Rockhaven is free, and camping at Bloomington costs $6 to $10 depending on use of electrical or water hookups.
The overlook just north of the dam is part of a federal park and is a popular place to study, play games or just relax and camp out.
Between the state and federal parks, more than 30 miles of trail provide diverse hiking terrain for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trails abound for hikers, riders
Woodridge has eight miles of rugged terrain and is ideal for people who want to backpack in the wilderness, said Sherri Richardson, manager of the federal parks.
Rockhaven has more than 30 miles of trails for horseback riding and camping. The main trail at Rockhaven is eight miles long and leads to the dam. It separates into upper and lower trails near the dam.
Bloomington is one of the most developed Corps parks, Richardson said. Campers can choose from more than 600 camping sites. Some have electrical hookups.
"The trails are most used in the spring and fall when the weather is best for riding horses," Richardson said.
The hiking trails are open year-round, but other areas of the park won't open until April 1. The outlet park, which provides group picnic shelters and camping areas, will open April 1.
SUA rents camping equipment
Students and faculty who don't have camping equipment but who want to take advantage of the park's facilities can rent camping packages at the Student Union Activities office at the University of Kansas.
Gene Wee, SUA adviser, said that people could rent almost everything needed to camp. Sleeping bags, tents, frying pans and lanterns are all available through SUA's Wilderness Discovery packages.
For $20 a week, a person can rent a two-person tent, backpack, cooking kit and a store.
"Rentals usually pick up for spring break. It's still not too late to rent equipment this year." Wee said
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