Douglas County Commission increases camping fees but says fireworks still OK at Lone Star Lake
Visitors to Lone Star Lake Park can still set off fireworks, but it will cost more to camp there overnight.
On Wednesday, the Douglas County Commissioners approved changes to rules and regulation at the park, which is about 12 miles southwest of Lawrence.
In August, the county commissions took a closer look at the park’s regulations in the wake of two drownings. A review already underway for regulations for camping, fishing and boating was expanded to include swimming policies.
At that time, commissioners balked at staff’s suggestion to ban fireworks, which is allowed in the days surrounding the Fourth of July. County staff said they spend significant time and money monitoring and cleaning up the fireworks.
In the amendments approved Wednesday, fireworks were still allowed. But, here’s what has changed:
• Dogs will be allowed off-leash in designate areas. An off-leash dog area is planed for the southern portion of the lake.
• All-terrain vehicles will be prohibited on surfaces other than developed roads and developed parking lots.
• Swimming at the park will be limited to May 1 through Sept. 15, which coincides with the dates that fishing is prohibited in the designated swimming area.
• No swimming will be allowed beneath the docks.
• Water skiing is allowed between May 20 and Sept. 15 of each year on Wednesdays through Sundays and from noon to 8 p.m. It will also be allowed on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and other days the county commissioners approve.
• Daily camp fees for the park have gone up from $7 to $11 for sites with no electricity and from $12 to $16 for sites with electricity.
The rules will go into effect on April 1.