Email   Print   Share By Lisa A. Lorenz-Bass, Outdoor Rec. Program Coordinator

Facebook Digg Delicious May 31, 2012 | Editorial

Are you tired of that sales counter, tiny cubicle, motor pool or barrack? Feeling like you need a little space? If so, make the short drive to Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area where there are more than 1,200 acres of open spaces just waiting for you to expand your horizons and enjoy.

Step out and meander along the 2-1/4 miles of nature trail. The trail winds through terrain full of native foliage, more than 300 species of indigenous Central Texas birds, plus two endangered songbirds, and a menagerie of other wildlife. It’s an excellent choice when looking for a serene, tranquil experience.

Or, saddle-up and take a trail ride at BLORA Ranch. Guided trail rides are offered Tuesday through Sunday for riders ten years of age or older. Note that it’s a good idea to call and confirm the availability of child-sized horses for youth ages 10-14 years old. If you’d like to ride a little longer, guided overnight trail rides are scheduled periodically throughout the year and run from 7 a.m., Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday. Western horseman and beginner riding lessons are taught at the ranch. Pony rides for children under 10, a petting zoo and pony parties are available, too. Privately-owned horses may be ridden at BLORA Ranch, with proof of current (taken within the last 12 months) rabies and tetanus vaccines and a negative Coggins.

Need even more space? Trails for the mountain bike enthusiast cover approximately 800 acres of park land and are geared for beginner riders through advance racers. Bring your own bike, or rent one at the BLORA Reservation Office, located at the main entrance of the park.

Sit out on the back patio of the Sierra Beach concession area to take in the view, enjoy the lake breezes and just relax. The lake swimming area is equipped with family-sized

covered picnic shelters, a three-tiered sandy beach, lifeguards, volleyball courts and a playground.

Just up the hill from the beach, the Phantom Phlume double waterslide twists and turns 300 feet before dropping riders in a cool, refreshing pool. For children not quite reaching the 48-inch waterslide height requirement, an Auto Kid Wash is reserved just for them to splish and splash through while being sprinkled and sprayed.

Archers can take aim at 32 shooting stations, with varying distances, set-up over a one mile expanse of natural terrain in the park. Archers check-in at the park gate before shooting at the range and check-out upon completion. Youths16 years of age and under require adult supervision. A practice range is also on site at BLORA’s archery facility with targets set at 10-, 20- and 30-yard markers.

Space for the fisherman also abounds at BLORA. Anglers can cast out along the lake’s shoreline or from the floating fish dock. BLORA’s indoor dock is heated in the winter and has three indoor wells and exterior docks.

Indoor space can also be found in the park’s one and two bedroom cottages, mobile homes and recreational vehicles that are available for rent.

Space for personal watercraft and RV storage, camping, paintball, paddle boats, party pavilions and just plain ol’ playground space can all be found at BLORA.

To reserve a place on your calendar to visit all the spaces at BLORA, call 287-2523. BLORA is open year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The park gate entry fee is $2 per vehicle with a military/Department of Defense identification card.

For more information, click on Recreation/Lake Activities at www.hoodmwr.com.