Big Soda Lake Opens To Swimmers Ahead Of 4th Of July

LAKEWOOD, CO — Bear Creek Lake Park’s swim beach at Big Soda Lake has reopened for swimmers. The beach has been one of the most popular spots for Lakewood residents and visitors from throughout metro Denver to enjoy each summer.

With limited options across the Front Range for Fourth of July festivities, the beach is expecting record attendance, parks officials said.

The park hosted more than 6,000 people on the holiday in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a record number of visitors to the park this year, even though the swim beach and other amenities were closed, officials said.

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“Similar to last year, if the park reaches capacity on the Fourth of July, no reentry will be allowed, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early, have the $10 daily entry fee payment ready or have purchased an annual pass,” said Regional Park Supervisor Drew Sprafke.“Last year the park reached capacity and the entrance was closed by 11 a.m.”

The park gates open at 6 a.m. during the summer. Normal wait times are around 10 minutes or more on a weekend day, parks officials said. If the park reaches maximum capacity, the entrance will be closed, potentially for the remainder of the day.

Parking is not allowed on Morrison Road outside the park, and violators will be subject to a citation by the extra police patrols working the holiday weekend, officials said.

Guidelines for visitors:

• Masks are recommended
• Keep a 6-foot physical distance from members outside your household
• There is no lifeguard on duty
• Personal charcoal grills, glass and any alcohol other than beer are prohibited
• Boat ramps are closed to any boat requiring an A.N.S. inspection
• Each person aboard watercraft must have a properly fitting life jacket on board, and any children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times

Other swim beaches in the metro area including Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park and Aurora Reservoir have also reopened with restrictions.