The Douglas County Veterans Service Office will be temporarily closed June 5 through 8, 2023 while staff attends mandatory training.
Water recreation activities are now available.
Create an Account:
Reserve your day pass:
Your recreation experience at Rueter-Hess is envisioned to be tranquil and serene.
Park Rangers will be onsite while the reservoir is open for recreation to ensure fun and safety. However, no lifeguards are on duty, and all activities are at your own risk. Paddle boards, kayaks (single and double) are available for rent (1-hour, 2-hour or half-day) as well as life vests. For more information click here.
Water recreation is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from Memorial Day weekend through October. The Rueter-Hess entrance is located at 9343 Double Angel Road in Parker. Please note – due to limited parking space there will be no trailer parking available.
With this experience in mind, there are a few things we want you to be prepared for as you make your reservation:
In the past, reservations were limited to four hours. Now, your reservation and $10 per-vehicle fee get you a full day pass into the Reservoir from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day you reserve. Reservations are available Friday though Monday from Memorial Day weekend to Oct. 31.
Because Rueter-Hess is a drinking water storage facility, only these watercrafts are allowed. All watercrafts must pass an invasive species (ANS) inspection before accessing the water. No motors or sail boats will be allowed
Plans are in the works to modernize the shoreline; however, we aren’t there yet. As work continues, please expect the shoreline to be muddy in places.
You will not be allowed on the water without one. No inflated floating devices - with the exception of Stand-up Paddle Boards - are allowed. Water shoes are recommended.
Parking closest to the beach is a five-minute walk. Additional parking is up to 10 minutes away. You will be able to drop off gear near the shoreline and return to the parking lot(s).
Please note - due to limited parking space there will be no trailer parking available.
Dogs on a leash are allowed in designated areas only. They are not allowed in the water under any circumstances.
Please be prepared to “Pack it in and pack it out.” No alcoholic beverages, drugs, or glass bottles are allowed.
The Reservoir serves as a primary drinking water source. NO bodily contact is allowed with the water at the Reservoir unless authorized and permitted by PWSD and the Authority. Programs and events must be approved through the established application and permitting process with the Authority. Access to the Property is allowed only at the times provided by the Authority for general access and is not allowed on the reservoir portion of the Property without an approved Authority permit or through an Authority-sponsored program.
