The Superior Express -

There may be snow on the ground this week but for those thinking about summer activities, the Lovewell State Park spring newsletter is now available.

When it comes to attendance, the newsletter reports 2021 was down for year two of COVID-19 even though park visitors seemed a little more at ease when it came to dealing with the pandemic. Camping remained a high priority in 2021. Camping reservations for the year were up 50 percent over the previous year’s launch date.

In 2020, the camps and campgrounds were full nearly 7 days a week from April through August. For 2021, the cabins and campgrounds were full during the weekend periods but occupancy dipped on the weekdays. Busy weekends began in May rather than April as they had in 2020.

Park permit windshield stickers have been redesigned for 2022.

Special events planned for Lovewell this year begin with a free park entrance day on May 7. The free fishing weekend is June 4 and 5. On those two days all public waters in Kansas may be fished without a fishing license. The kids’ fishing contest is planned for June 12.

Father’s Day will feature a cardboard boat race with prizes for the best decorated and fastest times. Campground Christmas will be held on Aug. 13. The fireworks show returns as a Labor Day Weekend event.

Another free park entrance day will be held on Sept. 11 along with the 3D Archery Shoot.

The Lovewell Marina staff plans to organize several new events including outdoor movies, perhaps a fishing tournament or two, live music and a mud volleyball tournament.

Funding is currently being sought with the goal of improving access to the inlet canal fishing area. Currently those interested in fishing must navigate a set of concrete stairs or walk down a rocky path to reach the fish. Funding to construct a trail and fishing pier at the north side of the inlet has been secured and a proposal has been submitted for funding a driving route from an existing road down to the water. And ADA placard will be required to park at the bottom but the project should provide better access for pedestrians. It is hoped the construction can begin this year.