Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Many students work full time during the summer to pay for the school-year’s expenses. The routine of waking up early, going to work and coming home to watch TV can get old. But staying in Lawrence does not have to be boring.
In addition to strolling down Massachusetts Street or going to garage sales, here are five fun, affordable activities you can do this summer without leaving Lawrence:
Clinton Lake Marina
Location: Highway 10, just west of the Clinton Parkway intersection.
Boat rentals: from $100 to $200 all day
Students with a free day and a group of friends can enjoy a trip to Clinton Lake Marina. Although the boat rentals can be expensive, there are many activities in which to partake.
The marina offers boat rentals for fishing, skiing and sailing.
Julle Ohse, who goes to the marina at least twice a week, said that watching the sunset or sunrise at the lake is one of the best things to do.
Lee Kennedy, Clinton Lake Marina manager, said that students should plan their paddling for weekdays to avoid crowds and receive discounts.
Bloomington East Swimming Beach
Hours of Operation: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Southeast side of Clinton Lake
Price: $1 per person; up to 4 people per car
Taking a trip to the Bloomington East swimming beach is a bit like taking a mini-road trip.
It is far enough away from the city that the trip allows for long road trip style conversation.
The beach offers more of a family environment, but students can bike and swim.
Brent Moses, a frequenter of Bloomington Beach, advises visitors to avoid the beach after rain because of floods.
Wells Overlook Park
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Three miles south of Lawrence along county road 458
Price: Free
Wells Overlook Park is rarely crowded. The wooden tower on top of a hill offers students a view of the entire city. Picnic tables and a small hiking trail are also available for use.
The park offers peace and quiet, but also a great romantic environment for dates. The park is not lit at night, so a day trip is the best option.
Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center
Hours of Operation: 1 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Location: 7th and Kentucky
Price: $3.75 per student. Monthly and seasonal passes available.
The Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center offers students a way to cool off on hot summer days.
Collin Ghlebak, Rowlett, Texas, senior and head lifeguard, describes the patrons of the aquatic center as “the Lawrence hometown crowd.”
With two slides and a big pool, it is a fun weekend locale.
Suzannah Gohannes, a University graduate and pool regular, said that getting the pool pass for $16 per month is the best bet for those intending to swim often.
Ghlebak recommends going after 5 p.m. to avoid mid day crowds. If you plan to tan go from 1 to 3 p.m.
Downtown Lawrence Noir Festival
Hours: First Thursday of the month starting at 8 p.m.
Location: 9th Street and New Hemisphere Street, grass area
Price: Free
Starting this Thursday at 8 p.m. and continuing the first Thursday of each month, the Lawrence Noir Festival will offer live music and prizes for the public as well as a movie which will begin at 9:15 p.m.
Plan to make a whole evening out of it: Eat dinner downtown, go to the movie and maybe hit a bar afterward.
Rick Marquez, Downtown Lawrence Inc., administrator, said some restaurants will stay open late for the crowd and that downtown expects between 200 and 300 people to attend.
Marquez recommends bringing blankets and chairs.
— Edited by Ben Smith
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