With a gentle breeze pushing back her hair and early spring sunlight throwing shadows across a picnic area at Eichler’s Cove Marina, Deborah Denzel walked to the railing. Down a short slope was a small inlet on Lake Zoar where last week Parks and Recreation crews put in roughly 60-plus boat docks for the season.

Most slips have already been reserved by residents, but anyone interested in the few remaining spaces should contact Ms Denzel at Deborah.Denzel@newtown-ct.gov. She has been acting as the town’s rental agent for the marina since Newtown bought the once privately owned location at the end of Old Bridge Road a decade ago.

As of May 15, renters can put their boats in. Also as of that time, the park wardens and night security guards will staff the facility. The marina provides spaces for boats, jet skis, and a dry dock for canoes and kayaks.

Recreation department Director Amy Mangold pointed to the end of the docks, noting a cleat where boat owners can tie off their craft after dropping it in the lake, then walk back to their car and park. Past the docks and beyond the picnic area overlooking Lake Zoar is a small beach where lifeguards are on duty during beach hours. The beach, as well as Treadwell Park pool, are both scheduled to open for the season May 23.

Ms Mangold joined Ms Denzel as the two walked the grounds, stopping at the bottom of a concrete boat launch along the waterline. Looking out at the marina, Ms Mangold said six new docks are coming. Due to a delay in manufacturing, she is hoping to see them in the water this season. If they arrive soon enough, “we’ll rent those too,” she said, adding that department funds paid for the new slips.

Resident fees for a kayak/canoe drystall storage for a season are $79.76, tax included, and $159.53 for non-residents. Renters must also complete and application before a permit is issued for a craft.

Boat rental fees are $1,144 for residents with crafts under 19 feet, and $1,424 for crafts longer than 19 feet; the non-resident fees are $1,433 and $1,726, respectively. When payment is received, the department will mail a marina vehicle permit and four family member beach passes.

Additional resident permits are available at the Parks and Recreation Department office. Resident must show their car registration and CT driver’s license. Non-residents with slips with will be allowed only one vehicle parking permit.

Only one owner listed on the vessel registration is entitled to a parking permit as a non-resident with a rental slip. However, additional non-resident passes can be purchased at the recreation office for the fee of $150 each. This is due to a shortage of parking. Permits must be displayed on the front passenger window of the car.

Visit the Newtown-ct.gov website and select the Parks & Recreation page to view information for all park pass and uses.

Regarding questions about the marina, contact Ms Denzel at 203-270-4402.