Bear Creek Lake — Attraction in Lakewood

I've been driving by BearCreek Lake for a couple of years now and have said to myself "that place looks like fun" and so today me and the family packed up the summer fun bags and off we went. Early arrival on a weekend is suggested and there is lots of close up parking. I wanted to try paddle boarding and I knew they rented them at the lake, but with so many bad past experiences with city and state run parks I prepared myself for a less than satisfactory experience. I was amazed at how clean and manicured the property was kept and the number of mature trees that shaded built in benches and bbq's the clean and raked sand looked very appealing to any beach goer with a towel or chair. After asking one of the many available park rangers where to rent paddle boards we approached the rental hut and were greeted by Whitney. I have been in and out of the service industry for 30+years and I know a good team and a happy team. Whitney was the perfect person for the job and set my wife and I up with the perfect combination. Scott the second person in the chain was just a cool dude, he knew his stuff and explained quick and easy. Daniel and Melanie finished our experience with some humor while checking out and paying, I will mention that all this is happening with record numbers of people at the lake. I think good people and good service should be recognized and I will go back to do it again...

Such the dichotomy to post a great review with the fear that the review will change the experience ... ugh. I LOVE Bear Creek Lake. Spend a lot of time on the water, biking, hiking and spending time with friends here. I want to praise the phenomenal environment with great bike trails and beautiful lands ... but I feel like I'm inviting more people and we might overdo it and I want to preserve it ... AHHHH! What do I do here? Yes, this place is just spectacular ... (sigh). Sorry to the locals. But at the same time this place and the crew that supports it and makes it work deserves great praise - they totally rock! I've never felt so torn apart by a stinkin' Google review ... I just have to leave now ... 5 stars, it's the best, blah blah blah ... I'm...

Title: Extremely Disappointed with Bear Creek Lake Park

I had high hopes for Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, but our visit was awful. The water was murky, trash was scattered along the shore, and it was obvious the park isn’t being properly maintained.

The bathrooms were the worst part — the smell was so strong and disgusting that it made my whole family feel sick just walking near them. There were no visible staff members, and the overall atmosphere didn’t feel safe or welcoming for families.

We left early and will not be returning.Avoid This Park Bear Creek Lake Park was filthy and poorly maintained. The bathrooms smelled so bad they made my whole family sick. Murky water, trash everywhere, no staff in sight — we left early and...