BLORA: Easy access for all, safety paramount

LIVING
www.FortHoodSentinel.com
May 21, 2015
C7
BLORA: Easy access for all, safety paramount
Continued from C1
we’ll be able to open paddle boating again,” she said. “We haven’t
been able to have it for the past
couple of years.
One of the upcoming events
at BLORA open to anyone who
wants to join is the annual Water
Fest, June 6-7.
“Water Fest is such a fun time
for families and everyone who
comes out,” Lorenz-Bass said. “It’s
an event we look forward to every
year.”
Water Fest offers tons of things
to do throughout both days,
including a water wars water balloon sling-shot shootout, 21’ slip
n’ slides, inflatable slides, a paddle
board race, inflatable bounce houses, the kayak pool, Sierra Beach
swimming, Phantom Phlume
water slides, pro bass demo fishing,
sports tournaments, mountain biking and hiking, paintball, archery
opportunities and more – even
camping overnight to catch both
days.
cottages for rent and the brand“There are about 15 playgrounds new floors being put into the existaround the areas,” Lorenz-Bass ing, older cottages; the addition of
said. “Kids really enjoy those, and a pavilion at the paintball course to
we’re adding a new
make planning parone we’re very excitties easier there, and
ed about, too.”
an added observaBLORA has huntion area with nets so
dreds of picnic areas
viewers can safely and
that are on a firsteasily watch paintball
come, first-served It’s a mini
tournaments.
basis throughout the
“Watch for paintpark. More than 140 vacation without ball tournaments,”
of those are shaded,
she said. “It’s going
perfect for picnic- traveling the
to be pretty cool and
ing out of the sun, many miles. And they are planning a
and 300 family piclot of great events
nice areas, with bar- we’re right in
and tournaments at
becue grills located your backyard.
the field.”
thoughout. Larger
Safety is parapavillions are availmount at BLORA
able for reservation – Lisa Lorenz-Bass
and encouraged by
at BLORA for birthall BLORA staff.
day parties, wedRules are in place
ding receptions, unit
in different areas to
organizational days
encourage a safe,
and more.
fun and successful
A few things
BLORA experience.
Lorenz-Bass said she and other
Lifeguards are on duty during
BLORA staff members are excit- operational hours, and swimming
ed about this year are the addi- is limited to Sierra Beach.
tion of two new two-bedroom
“Definitely bring drinking water.
Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen,” she
said. “Keep an eye on your children, and keep pets on a leash.”
Water equipment is available for
rent on a daily basis, including,
kayak, tubes, knee boards, wake
boards and more. Tent camping
– both primitive and site camping
– RV camping and cottages vary
in price depending on hook-ups,
number of people and other variables. Mountain biking has bike
rentals and helmet rentals or a
smaller fee option of bring a privately owned bike. The paintball
course has rentals, paint, masks
and other necessities for playing
paintball.
“It’s a mini vacation, without
traveling the many miles,” LorenzBass concluded. “And we’re right
in your backyard.”
For more questions on any of
the activities offered at BLORA,
reservations, equipment rentals,
party coordination and anything
else, visit Fort Hood’s Directorate
of Family and Moral, Welfare and
Recreation website and navigate
between lake activities, camping,
etc. to find information. Or call
287-2523.
Paddle boating is one of the many activities that BLORA has to offer during the
hot summer months when the water levels are high enough to accommodate
paddle boats.
Sentinel file photos
BLORA visitors cool off in Sierra Beach, the designated swimming area. Sierra
Beach has plenty of sand to tan, build sand castles or play volleyball on, while
the swimming area is large enough to accommodate everyone.
INITIAL VISIT INCLUDES:
• Free Evaluation & Medical Consult
• Thyroid & Metabolic Panel Blood Test
2 Months $150
Consists of lab work, pa consult, 2 months of the
appetite suppression and 4 b12 for 120.00
Fri & Sat
Walk-ins
Welcome.
BLORA visitors cool off in Belton Lake or seek shade under one of the many picnic areas available at BLORA. Packing a
picnic and staking out space at the shaded picnic tables is a great way to take a break from swimming, playing volleyball
or sunning at the lake.