ON THE TRAIL OF A GOOD TIME

    With the nice spring weather and summer not far away, the Roy Lake State park staff has started gearing up for a busy camping and summer recreation season. Several new projects have already been completed, such as adding hiking trails, revamping the Roy Island Trail and the purchase of a new floating dock near the Roy Lake Resort. 
    “In the fall we added three new trails to Roy Lake State Park,” said Jacob DeBaun the Roy Lake State Park Manager.  “The new trail gives you some of the best scenic lake views in the area of both Roy Lake and Bullhead Lake. In total, staff added approximately three miles of new trails with new trail names such as Rangers Route Trail, Backwoods Trail, and Prairie Walk trail.” 
    If visitors want to check these trails out for themselves start your hike just behind the front office. There is more work to be done on those trails but they are a great addition to the park, emphasized the park manager.
    Another big improvement was the updates to the current Roy Island Trail, found just to the north of the Resort. “We expanded the trail to encompass the whole island with water side views throughout the island. In addition, you will no longer find a muddy and narrow trail. One day the staff hopes to make this trail ADA accessible, but the work done this spring is a great start to that goal,” says DeBaun. 
    An update campers are sure to enjoy is the remodeling of the Comfort Station in the West Unit Campground. Staff at the park estimates this station hasn’t been updated since the 70’s or later. “This comfort station posed many challenges due to the age of the materials inside,” stated DeBaun. “Our staff is wrapping up that remodel project now and will be open for use starting Open House Weekend.” 
    Also new to the park is the addition of the floating dock at the Roy Lake Resort landing. The dock is ADA accessible, has rod holders for fishing and is sure to bring enjoyment for all people utilizing the park. Many more improvements and additions are in the works such as a pickle ball court, some new landscaping, fish cleaning station improvements, and more. 
    May 16-18 will be the parks ‘Open House’ weekend which includes free park passes for getting into the park, along with free fishing.