The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will begin canoe and kayak rentals Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Lake Springfield Park, 2312 E. Lake Springfield Park Road.

The Park Board's Special Facilities Division will rent both for $8 per hour; $25 for a four-hour rental; and $45 for an eight-hour rental, from the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina.

Park hours are sunrise to sunset. Canoes and Kayaks will be available for rent 8 a.m. to one hour prior to sunset, May 3 through the month of September.

Paddlers will use the James River Linear Park Trail as the trail route, which runs approximately six miles one-way, along the Springfield Nature and Conservation Center, the Galloway Creek, to Creighton Beach. Water trail signage guides paddlers along the way. Renters must be 18 years of age, with minors accompanied by an adult. All participants must sign a waiver and wear provided life jackets.

The 4,000-square-foot Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina is built on the north shore of Lake Springfield, an area that the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, in cooperation with City Utilities, took over operations and maintenance in June, 2006. A 1,450-square-foot deck area overlooks the lake. The building was dedicated November 2007.

For park or rental information, call (417) 891-1550.