ENCINO : Lake Balboa Rental Paddle Boats OKd

The Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission voted Monday to rent paddle boats at the 26-acre lake in the Sepulveda Basin, but delayed action on a plan to charge a $5 launch fee for private boat owners using the lake.

By a 4-0 vote, the commission approved the paddle boat rental operation at Lake Balboa Park, to be run by parks department personnel. The boats will rent for $10 an hour or $7 per half hour.

The commission postponed action on a proposal to charge a $5 launch fee for boaters wishing to use their own boats on the lake after several boaters complained that the per-launch fee was excessive and urged that a discounted annual pass be made available.

Alan Baty, a kayaker from Van Nuys, said boaters like himself are “seeking a work-out” just like joggers at the park, who pay no fees.

Baty and Denis Schure, a leader of the Friends of the LA River, urged the commission to adopt an annual, price-discounted pass.

The parks panel, led by commissioner Dean Pregerson, finally sided with the boaters, asking the parks department staff to develop an annual pass system by next February.

In the meantime, owners will be able to continue launching private boats on the lake without cost.

The lake has been open for boating use since November. Power boats and inflatable boats are not allowed.