After the government's most recent lockdown easement decisions, The Parks Trust have announced their plans to reopen Willen Lake on Saturday 4th July.
The Trust explained: "We’re pleased to announce our plans to reopen on Saturday 4th July. Having successfully restarted Wakeboarding and open water swimming, we’re now able to safely resume some of our other watersport courses and our high ropes course, Treetop Extreme."
"We have been working hard behind the scenes with the relevant national governing bodies to adapt our operations, ensuring we have a safe and fun experience for our visitors. Our sessions have been adapted and we’ve reduced capacities to support social distancing. There will be an enhanced cleaning regime in place for equipment, and multiple points for our customers to access hand wash or hand sanitisation stations."
They continued: "From July you’ll be able to take part in our Discover sessions and sailing courses. Our Discover sessions are instructor-led courses created to introduce participants to specific watersports. In each session, our expert coaches will give you tuition in the basic skills you need for your chosen watersport. During this summer you could learn to stand-up paddleboard, wakeboard, windsurf, kayak, sail or even learn the skill of archery."
"We will also be able to offer our Sailing courses. Starting in July, we will be running our 2-day level 1 sailing course with the follow up course in September. These courses are for ages 16 plus and are designed to help you take the first steps into the sailing world. Level 1 will be an introduction to the sport where you’ll learn basic handling skills, after this you will then be able to progress onto level 2 which will teach you to sail solo."
"In addition, our Junior Sailing Club will be restarting in mid-July, this club is for children aged 8-14 years who want to get involved in sailing regularly. During this weekly club that runs on Saturday mornings from 9am – 11am, you’ll learn new skills and take part in fun challenges."
They added: "Also returning is our Adult Paddle Club, running every Wednesday evening from 6pm - 8pm. This club helps to develop your knowledge of a wide range of paddle sports, throughout the weeks you’ll have the opportunity to try out all different types of paddle sports all under the guidance of our qualified instructors."
"All courses will need to be booked in advance online. All participants taking part in our watersport courses will be given their own equipment upon arrival that has been sanitized, there will be no sharing of crafts or equipment during these sessions. Sessions will be a maximum of 6 people including the instructor and social distancing will be maintained."
"Treetop Extreme is the county’s only urban high ropes course. At Willen Lake we have three courses to choose from, Explorer, Adventure and Extreme, which differ in height and difficulty. We plan to reopen the courses from 4th July, with a reduced number of participants able to complete the course at one time as well as decreasing the amount of sessions we run per day. Our Treetop Extreme courses will need to be booked in advance online at www.willenlake.org.uk/treetop and usual height restrictions apply."
They concluded: "From the start of July Pedalos will also be available for hire at Willen Lake. Subject to weather conditions our hire centre will be open every day from 11am – 6pm. Please note that this activity cannot be booked online in advance and will operate on a first come first serve basis, we ask where possible that you pay by card. All equipment and Pedalos will be cleaned between use. Pedalos must only be used by members of the same household or social bubble."
