Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center

08/28/2026

There are just two more weekends left before our kayak/paddleboard rentals close for the season.

Rentals will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. through Sunday, September 6th.

As a reminder, rentals are in 2-hour blocks and all boats must be back by 7:00 p.m. each night.

Standard Kayaks/Paddleboards: $15

Specialty Kayaks: $20
(fishing kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddleboard/kayak combo)

For a full list of rules, click here: https://sc-spartanburgcountyparksandrec.civicplus.com/263/BoatBoard-Rentals

We hope to see you out on the water soon!

08/26/2026

Spartanburg Parks has all sorts of FREE fun planned for you in September, all across Spartanburg County!

Some of the activities you see here are regular events at our community centers, and others we've added just as something special for September.

Any place you see a ⭐, that means it's an activity that requires you to sign up ahead-of time. All other events you can just show up to on that day, ready to have a great time. Unless otherwise noted, these events are family-friendly and all ages are welcome.

⭐ REGISTER FOR EVENTS HERE: https://bit.ly/SeptemberEvents2026

We hope you can join us!

08/21/2026

One of the questions we get asked most frequently is: "How do I get a boat permit for Lake Cooley?"

While we manage the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center, we do not own the lake, which means any boat/kayak/paddleboard permits will be issued by SJWD Water District.

Permits can be purchased at the Lake Lyman Warden Office, located at 200 Lyman Lodge Rd, Lyman, SC 29365, Friday - Sunday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For more complete information and pricing, click here: https://www.sjwd.com/ourlakes/what-i-need-to-know-about/

IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not need a permit to rent kayaks/paddleboards from us during our rental season! Rentals are open on Saturdays & Sundays (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.) through September 6th.

We hope to see you out on the water soon!

08/13/2026

This what it looks like when you LOVE our Beginner Off-Road Run Club! 👟

If you'd like to join these smiling faces, we'll be hitting the trail again together on Saturday, September 5th!

We'll meet at the River Birch Trail parking lot on Sydnor Road in Spartanburg at 8:30 a.m. From there, we'll run/walk as a group for approximately 3-4 miles and wrap up around 9:30 a.m.

It's free to participate, plus it's a great way to get some exercise and meet new people!

Children are welcome, but adults must accompany anyone 17 and under.

REGISTER HERE: https://secure.rec1.com/SC/spartanburg-county-parks-dept/catalog/index/76cfe733780a89d55bcc23595c947aef?filter=c2VhcmNoPXJ1bg==

We hope to see you there!

08/05/2026

After operating 5 days a week since May, we are now moving to weekends only for kayak/paddleboard rentals at Lake Cooley.

Rentals will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. through September 6th.

As a reminder, rentals are in 2-hour blocks and all boats must be back by 7:00 p.m. each night.

Standard Kayaks/Paddleboards: $15
Specialty Kayaks: $20
(fishing kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddleboard/kayak combo)

For a full list of rules, click here: https://sc-spartanburgcountyparksandrec.civicplus.com/263/BoatBoard-Rentals

We hope to see you out on the water soon!

07/22/2026

🚨 TUESDAY RENTAL UPDATE 🚨

Due to winds over 10mph, there will not be any kayak/paddleboard rentals today. This is for everyone’s safety. We’ll try again tomorrow!

07/07/2026

Check out our newest addition!

We have something new at Lake Cooley, thanks to a partnership with SJWD Water District and Safe Kids Of The Piedmont!

Allow us to introduce you to the brand new Life Jacket Loaner Station.

We provide life jackets for ages 10+ who rent kayaks/paddleboards from us when we're open, but this is for those of you who go out on the water outside those times, or who have children younger than 10 and are renting our boats.

Please keep in mind swimming is NOT allowed in Lake Cooley, with or without a life jacket.

07/02/2026

In honor of our nation's 250th birthday this weekend, we will have some adjustments to our normal operating hours on Friday and Saturday. 🇺🇸

Friday, July 3rd

CLOSED
❎ Offices
❎ Community Centers

OPEN
✅ Parks
✅ Playgrounds
✅ Splash Pads
✅ Fitness Centers (key fob access only)
✅ Kayak/Paddleboard Rentals

❎ There will not be any kayak/paddleboard rentals on Saturday, July 4th.

We hope you and your families have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

06/25/2026

Did you know July is National Parks & Recreation Month? We’ll be celebrating all month long, and you’re invited to the party!

Thanks to so many incredible community partners, we have FREE FUN planned for you every weekday in July (except July 3rd). The party starts one week from today, on Wednesday, July 1st, with popsicles at the Tyger River Park splash pad!

BONUS: The more activities you participate in, the more chances you’ll have to win really great prizes! Starting Wednesday, July 1st, check out the post pinned at the top of our Spartanburg Parks page. Post photos of your family at our daily events in the comments. Every photo is an entry to win and we'll randomly select 5 winners at the end of the month!

No need to register ahead of time… Just show up to the daily event location, ready to have some fun! Children cannot be dropped off. An adult must be present with them.

We can’t wait to see you there! 😎

06/18/2026

🚨NO KAYAK/PADDLEBOARD RENTALS TODAY

We are closing rentals for the day due to high winds, for everyone’s safety. We’ll try again tomorrow!