NO WAKE ZONE AND EXTENDED TENNEY PARK LOCK HOURS FOR LAKE MENDOTA FOR 4th of JULY and RHYTHM & BOOMS

June 29, 2005
Lesley Sillaman, Office of the County Executive, (608) 267-8823
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today reminded boaters that there is a slow-no-wake zone on the entire surface of Lake Mendota during the Rhythm & Booms fireworks display. The slow-no-wake zone will be in effect from sunset (approximately 8:45 p.m.) to midnight on Saturday evening, July 2nd (or rain date Sunday July 3rd). Rhythm & Booms causes a large increase in boating on Lake Mendota, most of which occurs after dark. The congestion and low visibility creates hazardous boating situations. The Dane County Sheriff’s Department will have patrol boats patrolling the lake. County Executive Falk said: “Rhythm & Booms is great family entertainment for our community. The no-wake zone on Lake Mendota for a few hours helps make the event safer.” As another convenience for boaters using the lakes during Rhythm & Booms, County Executive Falk also announced that the Tenney Park Lock’ hours of operation will be extended starting Friday July 1 through Monday July 4, lock hours will open an hour earlier at 8:00am and close an hour later a 11:00pm. Rhythm and Booms, Saturday, July 2, the lock hours will be extended and remain open to 12:00 midnight. Boaters will not have to rush to reach the locks after the fireworks display. In the fall of 2002, Chapter 72 of the County Code of Ordinances was amended to create a permanent no-wake zone on the entire surface of Lake Mendota from sunset to midnight on the date of the annual Rhythm and Booms fireworks display. For more information you may contact the Dane County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol at (608) 284-6878 or the Dane County Parks Office at (608) 246-3896. # # #