ROTARY LAKE REOPENS FOR FISHING APRIL 11

JACKSON -- Rotary Lake, closed to fishing since 1994, will reopen to fishermen April 11.

The lake in Jackson City Park has been stocked with 1,175 largemouth bass, 1,875 bluegill and 375 channel catfish.

"The bluegill and bass have reproduced since then, so they have probably doubled," says Chris Kennedy, an agent with the state Department of Conservation.

The lake was renovated and restocked under a 1994 agreement between the city and the state Department of Conservation.

The 3.2-acre lake was only about three feet deep and was clogged with vegetation before renovation. The lake depth now is approximately 15 feet.

Kennedy said filamentous algae then covered 20 percent of the lake and water primrose covered 50 percent. Both were treated with chemicals.

Riprap has been added along the water line along with a redwood fishing dock. The lake is wheelchair accessible.

Mayor Paul Sander will be present for the grand reopening of the lake at 9:45 a.m. April 11. Afterward, Kennedy will lead a "Catch and Release" clinic for youngsters.

A casting contest also will be held. The lake will be open to public fishing beginning at 1 p.m.

The Mossback Bassmasters will give demonstrations throughout the day. Snacks and drinks will be offered, and fishing equipment and bait will be provided.

The event was organized by Shane Anderson, the city's new and first parks and recreation director. A Jackson native who formerly taught tennis professionals, he began the job six weeks ago.

Anderson already has other plans for recreation in Jackson.

An event called a "Local Music Uprising" is planned to entertain the city's youth on Memorial Day.

Social dances for seniors also are in the works, perhaps at the rate of one per month.

A clinic for senior fisherman is planned for July 14.

A 5K and 1-mile road race will be held in conjunction with Homecomers in August.

"One of our goals is to offer activities to the community across an age span," Anderson said.

With that in mind, the city will offer classes in golf, bowling and tennis for youths in the summer.

These sports are being emphasized because they can be enjoyed throughout a lifetime, Anderson said.

"We feel it's important that each and every age group has an opportunity to enjoy and have fun regardless of age."

Anderson said the city also will conduct a clinic for youth coaches in all the city leagues. "We want the coaches to understand physically what is happening to this age group, and mentally. We'd like to see the education of all coaches increase."