Lyons Parks

Visitor Use Plan

Happy Monday, Lyons

We opened both LaVern Johnson and Bohn Park this past weekend with some modifications and changes as part of a broader Visitor Use Management Plan.

Given the surreal circumstances of the past few months, we originally were not sure what to expect at the parks, but staff and the Board of Trustees (BOT) quickly learned that the visitation demands at LaVern Johnson Park were not sustainable in the midst of a global pandemic.
 
After direction from the BOT, staff met with the parks department, Boulder County Sheriff Dept and the firm who serves as Community Service Officers to create a plan that would be more sustainable and hopefully more enjoyable for visitors and residents and also follow along with the COVID guidelines from the State and the County. 

Due to COVID and related capacity concerns, the back half of the parking at LaVern Johnson Park is completely gated off and unavailable for parking. In addition, entry to the parks may be restricted when the parking inside is full.  These modifications provided a reasonable number of guests who could be in the park and mingle with their family members without overcrowding.  Capacity was reached at LaVern Johnson on both days over the weekend by about 11:30 am and lasted for 1.5 - 2 hours. There was another brief period on Saturday afternoon when parking and thus the park was at capacity for about an hour from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.  
 
Once the limited parking area was full, new guests were asked to wait for another party to leave the park or were recommended to visit Bohn Park, to enjoy the river, shade trees and a picnic over there. Bohn Park never reached it's parking capacity over the past weekend.

We weren't sure how this would all work out, but overall the vast majority of guests understood and waited until someone left or they changed plans and went over to Bohn Park instead. 
 
We apologize for the miscommunication with Lyons residents about the new Visitor Use Plan.  While we have made adjustments to the hours, residents are still able to access the parks in the early morning or late evening. Please remember to keep pets on leash. The modified hours (8 am - 8 pm) are mainly for drive-in access to better manage parking, the camping experience and overall staffing needs.  

On weekends, or during very busy times, the parking lot may be full and visitors may be limited.  Lyons residents may access the park during these times by walking in. You may be asked to show your local ID or utility bill with a local address,  if the park is at the capacity limitation. Staff understands kiddos don't have ID's and won't need them!

To date, the demand is at its peak on weekends, but weekdays are still busy. On weekends, LaVern Johnson Park is busiest from 11 am - 3 pm. Please bear in mind, that this Friday, July 3rd is the observed Independence Day Holiday for many people and will feel a lot like a weekend day at both parks. 

Bohn Park was able to handle the crowds over the past weekend and did not fill it's parking limitations. With the upcoming three day holiday weekend, it will likely be very busy again at both parks as well as Black Bear Hole. We ask for your patience and cooperation and try to visit the parks earlier in the day or in the late afternoon.  Also, Boulder County and the Town of Lyons reminds all park visitors to wear a mask when social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained. 

We enjoy summer in Lyons and are lucky to have easy access to the river and local amenities. We hope you agree. Please be safe on the river and thanks for your understanding of the adjustments we are making in the parks, to help provide a better and safe experience for both our residents and our visitors.

If you have creative suggestions or ideas that may help, please reach out and email recreation@townoflyons.com  We'd like your feedback. Thanks!