Season to spring to action at local lakes

With the arrival of spring comes the reopening of two local lakes where the public can enjoy the much-awaited warm weather.

The Cane Creek Reservoir and University Lake will reopen Saturday with a day of free services, named Lightning Brown Day in honor of a former Orange Water and Sewer Authority board member who contracted AIDS during his tenure on he board.

“We usually have a nice crowd,” Doug Terry, manager of water supply and treatment for OWASA, said of opening day, estimating that several hundred people will come.

The lakes offer a variety of activities such as picnicking, fishing, canoeing, boating and sunbathing until November.

“College students come to catch some sun,” said Robert Glosson, senior assistant lake warden for University Lake. “There’s a lot of ground area to lay in the sun for a good portion of the day.”

University Lake is located in Carrboro off Jones Ferry Road, at the southern part of Old Fayetteville Road.

The Cane Creek Reservoir is located off N.C. 54, eight miles west of Carrboro Plaza.

Both are alcohol-free facilities.

Flat-bottomed aluminum boats that hold three adults and canoes are available to rent at the lakes. Patrons also can rent paddles, oars and floating devices, said Eric Barnhardt, lakes warden for the reservoir.

Boat rentals for Orange County residents are $6 per half-day, $2.50 for each additional adult and $1 for children and senior citizens.

Prices are higher for non-county residents.

Members of the public can bring their own boats, but they will need to pass an inspection by lake officials. Though gasoline-powered motors cannot be used, electric motors and batteries can be rented for $12 a day.

Fishermen can take advantage of opportunities in the area too, Barnhardt said.

“The lake is well-stocked with fish,” Terry said.

Officials say boating and fishing tend to appeal to the public the most.

“Most folks like to get out on the water,” Glosson said.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there is open space with trees and animals that can be enjoyed at both sites.

“We have nature trails, and we attract bird-watchers,” Barnhardt said.

University Lake is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday.

Cane Creek Reservoir will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.