Forest Preserve District, Park District open new launches, boat docks

Posted

BYRON – Two new kayak launches and boat docks have opened on the Rock River in northern Ogle County.

The Byron Forest Preserve District and the Byron Park District have installed new state-of-the-art kayak launches and floating boat docks at their facilities located on the Rock River in Byron and Oregon for kayakers and canoeists to enjoy. 

The Byron Park District’s recently renovated Kathryn A. Hamas Memorial Park, located at 108 E. Diamond St., contains new walking trails, playground, shelter and fishing piers along with new kayak launch and floating boat docks.

About 3.9 miles downstream, the Byron Forest Preserve District has installed identical kayak launches and floating boat docks at their He-Leo Two Rivers Forest Preserve located at the confluence of the Rock River and Leaf River at 6065 North Illinois Route 2 in Oregon. This 48-acre preserve has a picnic shelter, portable toilets, hiking trails, restored oak savannas and wetland areas. It is a haven for a wide variety of birds and other wetland wildlife species.

A leisurely kayak trip from Kathryn A. Hamas Memorial Park to the He-Leo Two Rivers Forest Preserve takes about 60 to 90 minutes depending on the weather conditions. Both facilities can be accessed by car from Illinois Route 2.

For more information regarding these new Rock River kayak launches and docking facilities contact the Byron Forest Preserve District at 815 234-8535, Ext. 200 or the Byron Park District at 815 234-8435.