This summer the city of Maple Valley is offering a variety of boat and board rentals at Lake Wilderness.The program, which is new this year, includes two pedal boats, two stand-up paddle boards, two kayaks, and three canoes. Maple Valley Parks and Recreation Director Greg Brown said that the city decided to do a pilot program for watercraft rentals because the city is planning to replace the dock and is considering adding on a boat rental pier.

The project to replace the dock is currently in the planning stages and Brown said that the hope is to have the project completed before the 2014 swim season opens in June.

The idea for boat rentals first was raised in 2007 when the city was going through the process of creating a master plan for Lake Wilderness Park. Brown said that between the start of the swim season on June 24 and July 31, 324 hours of time had been rented via the water crafts.

The city started off the season with one pedal boat but at the end of July added a second boat because of the popularity of the vessel. Brown added that plans for future growth will be evaluated at the end of the season and that, so far, the program has ben a hit.

“Word is getting out that boats are available and on sunny days we often don’t have enough boats,” Brown said.

Watercraft rentals will be available through the end of the swim season on Sept. 2. Reservations for specific watercraft can be made in advance online or by calling the city at 425-432-9953, at the Lake Wilderness Lodge Office, or day off at the Lake Wilderness beach. The cost of rental is $15 for the first hour and $10 for each additional hour.Website: http://www.maplevalleywa.gov/index.aspx?page=585