Photos by Charles Betzler
Summer is upon us and nature beckons. Now is the time to start engaging in outdoor activities at Sapulpa’s excellent outdoor recreational facilities. Whether it is bicycling or walking the trails at Kelly Lane Park, playing basketball at Davis Park, or fishing at Sahoma or Pretty Water Lake, Sapulpa Parks and Recreation has provided the citizens of Sapulpa with a plethora of pleasant places to have fun in the sun.
Currently, the requirement for a city permit to fish at Sahoma, Pretty Water, and Kelly Lane Park has been waived until June 30th. June 6th and 7th are “Free Fishing” days in Oklahoma, which means a state fishing license is not needed to fish in Oklahoma lakes, rivers, and streams.
Pretty Water is one of only a handful of warm-water trout lakes in Oklahoma. Although trout stocking season ended in March, there are deep areas in the lake where trout survive, thus trout are caught year-round. Catfish and panfish are stocked during the spring and summer months affording anglers an opportunity to easily reach their limits. Gasoline-powered engines are not allowed in Pretty Water, helping to keep the small, spring-fed lake pristine.
Baitshop Manager Todd Norwalk waits on customer Joshua Stites. 
Sahoma Lake offers boating, fishing, and camping. Gasoline engines are allowed in Sahoma. Sahoma Lake has an indoor fishing dock, two outdoor fishing docks, a boat ramp, a bait/concession shop, and camping areas. RV camping is allowed at the present time at Sahoma and starting June 1st, camping in tents will be allowed once again.
Playground equipment and shelter areas will be opened at Sapulpa parks beginning June 1st. Parents are urged to follow social distance protocols along with face masks when possible. Since playground equipment is impossible to be cleaned after each use, children should sanitize their hands after using equipment, and not to touch their faces or put their hands in their mouths or put their mouths on the equipment.
Shelter rentals will be based on the square footage of facilities, in order to follow social distancing guidelines.
Wiggly Field, the dog park adjacent to Kelly Lane, provides a safe place for your dog or dogs to romp.
Being outdoors is good for the mind, body, and soul. So get out there and soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy nature.
For further information about Sapulpa parks and lakes, call Sapulpa Parks at 918-227-5151, the Sahoma Bait Shop at 928-227-1534, or visit the “Sapulpa Parks” FaceBook page. Sapulpa Parks and Recreation will be posting suggested activities, safety tips, and weekly video clips highlighting Sapulpa parks and lakes.
