Prospect Lake in Memorial Park (Colorado Springs, Wheat Ridge: 2009, rental, neighborhood)

[GumChewer]

Sorry if these are weird questions, I honestly didn't even know this park/lake existed until recently so now I'm curious about it.
It does look quite nice though, so I have a few questions.

Are dogs allowed in the lake?
- My dogs LOVE to swim, but most bodies of water here are reservoirs so they're not allowed, otherwise they only get to wade in creeks and things. So if you have any other recommendations for dog-friendly swimming I'd really appreciate it. My dogs are well behaved and I always clean up after them - please don't think I'm just some irresponsible owner as I've seen there are quite a few around here.

From what I've researched trying to find the answer to my first question, it seems like it's an area for people to swim. Is it just like you can set up camp anywhere along the shore and go in and swim? Would you consider it safe for swimming(no hidden dangerous debris)?

Thanks for any help

[otowi]

There is a designated area for swimming. There is paddle boat rental but I think the hours of operation are sketchy. I don't think I've seen dogs in the water.

As for safety, if you stick to the designated area I think it is okay, particularly since the lake was drained and refilled a few years back. It has been "sketchy" in the past in terms of cleanliness and general neighborhood, but honestly I wouldn't have a problem going there personally. Here is an article from The Gazette from when they were draining it: Otowi: Sunken Treasure (More about Prospect Lake)

[lalahartma]

To be honest, I think the regulations only state that dogs must be leashed. But it would be definately possible to hit the lake at off hours. Dogs often play in the park unleashed, tho officially they should be.

http://www.springsgov.com/units/park...ide%202009.pdf

[treedonkey]

Prospect Park Lakes
Websites:
Memorial Park, Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs - Peakradar.com
City of Colorado Springs - Prospect Lake

Quote from lake guide: "Dogs are allowed on a leash in the surrounding lake areas, outside the designated swim beach. NOTE: Leash laws are in effect for Prospect Lake and Memorial Park." also, it says' "All pets must be kept on a leash and are not permitted to run at large in any park."

So I take that as a no, since dogs are not allowed in the swim area and swimming is not allowed elsewhere, although it does not specifically state that that applies to non-humans. Also, it would be kind of hard, and dangerous, to let your dog swim while keeping him leashed up. The COS and surrounding watersheds are just too urban for that sort of thing...

Directions: From I-70, go east on 44th Avenue. Turn right (south) into the park.

Fee: None

Boating: Non-motorized only, boat ramp available.
Fish: Largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, channel catfish, sunfish and bluegill.

Water Acres: 16

Elevation: 5,445 feet

Managing Agency: Wheat Ridge Animal and Parks Enforcement. For more information, call (303) 235-2877.

[lalahartma]

What is this?

Directions: From I-70, go east on 44th Avenue. Turn right (south) into the park.

Fee: None

Boating: Non-motorized only, boat ramp available.
Fish: Largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, channel catfish, sunfish and bluegill.

Water Acres: 16

Elevation: 5,445 feet

Managing Agency: Wheat Ridge Animal and Parks Enforcement. For more information, call (303) 235-2877.

[lalahartma]

Try the Rampart Range res: Rampart Reservoir

Dogs are allowed!

[Brill]

I've seen dogs swimming in the lake at Fox Run Park on the north end of the Springs.

http://adm.elpasoco.com/NR/rdonlyres...P_Brochure.pdf

[GumChewer]

Thank you guys so much for your help!

I'll stay away from Prospect Lake in Memorial Park except for with human friends and I will check out those other places.

Thanks again.