As the dog days of summer tick to a close, Carver County Parks is giving you just a few more weekends to indulge in the serenity of lake life or the friendly competition of lawn games. So if you're looking to skim across the placid waters of Lake Minnewashta or Lake Waconia, or you want to toss some bags in a spirited game of cornhole, it's time to get your plans in gear. The parks department has announced that kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, along with an array of yard games, are drawing to a seasonal close on August 17.
Rental services are operational only on weekends and hinge on the whims of Mother Nature. Anticipate availability on Saturdays and Sundays, and make hay while the sun shines, because these leisure opportunities are going the way of the summer sun. According to the Carver County Parks social media post, "Available Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting) through Sunday, Aug. 17."
The arsenal of rentable yard games is not to be underestimated. From bag toss to bocce ball and the Viking-inspired kubb, Baylor and Lake Waconia Regional Parks are the places to challenge your friends or family to some good-natured rivalry. And for those whose preferences lie in cruising atop or paddling through the water, the parks' array of watercraft is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the lakes without the commitment of ownership.
Hours for rentals are slated for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Friday to Sunday, but keep in mind the clock’s ticking on your summer idylls—the last rental wraps up at 3 p.m., ensuring enough daylight to enjoy your aquatic jaunt or ground game. Don't let procrastination be your guide; this is the final call to seize the remnants of the season. For pricing and the finer details, Carver County Parks encourages a visit to their website for all the specifics you'll need. So, paddle out or roll the dice on a game of chance — whatever floats your boat or rolls your bocce ball, just know it's last call at the parks."
