Lyon Co. seeks to expand boating options at Twin Lakes

Board OKs grant application, but asks for more safety options

MARSHALL -- Lyon County is looking to add aquatic recreation options at Twin Lakes Park, like publicly available kayaks and a pedal boat. Last week, county commissioners gave their approval for staff to apply for a grant to purchase the equipment -- but they also directed Environmental Administrator Roger Schroeder to consider adding safety gear, like life jackets to the request.

On April 5, Schroeder asked for commissioners' approval to apply for a Connecting People to the Outdoors Grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

"We would look at using these funds for purchasing a paddleboat and two kayaks for people to use for free, out at West Twin Lake, and open up a little more activities for folks," Schroeder said.

Schroeder said the application would be for a total of about $3,600 to purchase the kayaks, paddles, a pedal boat and a trailer.

The plan for the boating equipment was that it would be available to park visitors for free during times when there is a campground host present, Schroeder said. This year, that would include weekends and major holidays during the camping season.

"During the week, I don't see an easy way for us to be able to manage that," he said.

Commissioner Rick Anderson said he thought the board should pass a resolution approving the grant application. However, he said Schroeder should do additional research to see about adding safety gear.

"If you're going to offer this, you'd better have some life preservers built into this," Anderson said.

Minnesota law requires that all children younger than 10 wear a life jacket on a boat when it isn't tied to a dock. State law also requires boats to have at least one easily accessible life jacket for every person on board.

Anderson told Schroeder to check with Redwood County, to see what kind of systems are used for boat rentals at Lake Laura near Walnut Grove.

The application deadline for the Connecting People to the Outdoors grants is May 31. Commissioners said that would allow time to research and add options for security and safety gear.

"I would recommend on doing some checking on that one," Anderson said.

Commissioners voted to approve the grant application. They also directed Schroeder to bring back more information on safety gear and security options at a future meeting.