Summer has come to a close, but not everyone is ready for fall.
Crowder Lake University Park remains open and has several events coming up.
The first event is Coffee and Kayaks. While the lake usually hosts full moon paddles during the summer months and into the fall, this event is new to the lake and set at sunrise.
Coffee and Kayaks will be September 24. The event begins at 7 a.m. at the boat ramp with sunrise set at 7:25 a.m. There will be no charge for this event, but donations to the lake will be welcome.
Coffee and donuts will be available to everyone in attendance. There will be sugar and creamer available as well for the coffee.
The second event is the Haunted Full Moon Paddle. This will be the last full moon paddle of the season, and it is set for October 8.
Attendees need to arrive at 7:15 p.m. to check in. Paddles wet will be at 8 p.m. once the sun goes down. The cost for the haunted paddle will be $10 per person. Depending on the popularity of the event, there may be two rounds of tours during the night.
The haunted paddle challenges those willing to attend to put on their brave face as they paddle under only the light of the full moon. It will be filled full of surprises for guests along the way.
During paddle events, there is no limit on how many people can attend except until all of the watercraft has been rented out. Both kayaks and canoes are made available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own kayaks as well if they would like.
Both events will be guided by park employees.
For those unable to attend paddle events and still wanting to kayak, the park office will be open for rentals during the day until October 23. Watercraft rentals are from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., with the last rental going out at 6 p.m. The cost is $10 per hour per watercraft or free with a valid SWOSU ID. Other activities at Crowder Lake University Park include axe throwing, the walking trail, RV camping and tent camping. Visitors can also swim or fish in the lake. The ropes courses and the cabin are made available upon request by scheduling ahead of time with the park director Paul Hummel. A new disc golf course is coming soon.
For more information about the park and events, visit the Facebook page Crowder Lake.